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LOT 3486
Very Rare 8 Bore J.V.
Needham Patent Double
Barrel Sidelever Dangerous Game Hammer Rifle - Serial no.
4888, 8 Bore cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., casehardened/blue finish, checkered walnut stock. Browned Damascus steel
barrels signed “J.V. NEEDHAM. 27 CANNON St. BIRMINGHAM.” in a banner on the matted top rib, light border engraving at the breech, and a 3-leaf
rear sight marked for 50, 100, and 150 yds, and single inset blade front sight. Casehardened action with island back action side locks, with blued safety
catches, hare’s ear hammers, light border and scroll engraving throughout, and sculpted shell finial on the top of the action. Blued side lever with self-
cocking extensions (sets the hammers to half-cock) marked “NEEDHAM’S PATENT” with scroll engraving. Blued trigger plate and guard, both scroll engraved with
the latter marked with the serial number “4888”. Nicely figured checkered walnut stock with blued engraved grip cap, blank silver initial oval, sling stud with the corresponding stud attached to the
lower barrel rib, and stippled black leather butt pad, with checkered forend with single screw attachment and engraved forend shoe.
CONDITION: Very fine as expertly refurbished with 98% of the brown finish remaining with areas of covered up pitting visible on the top rib and near the forend, with softened markings. 95% of the vibrant
casehardened finish remain with softened engraving and areas of pitting on the underside, as well as the blued top lever and trigger guard. The wood is very good with some sanding, various minor handling marks,
a barely visible wood repair to the grip, a repaired crack in the forend, and a couple small cracks coming off the bottom of the stock head. The grip cap has began to turn plum in color and there is a small filler at the heel. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
LOT 3487
Fine Engraved Joh. Springer .577 (Black Powder) Double Barrel Rotary Underlever Hammer Rifle with Unique Game Record Inset Into The Stock - Serial no. 7267, 577 cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., browned/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The makers have kindly
confirmed that this rifle was made in 1885 for the Herzog von Braganza with delivery taking place on February 1, 1886. The Herzog von Braganza (Duke of Braganza), originally a hereditary title given to the
heir to the throne of Portugal, at this time was Michael Maria Carlos (1853-1927). Born in exile after his father (Michael I of Portugal) lost his throne to his brother Peter I of Brazil (who then became Peter IV of Portugal), Michael married into European nobility and was close to the Austrian imperial court. Judging by the unique white metal engraved game record inset into the right side of the stock of this fine rifle, the Duke of Braganza and this rifle were very well-travelled with game from wild boar and various species of deer to tiger, panther, alligator, king vulture, eagles and Indian fox being recorded with rows of small pins.
With browned Damascus barrels respectively signed “J. SPRINGER. 7267” and “JOH. SPRINGER’S ERBEN IN WIEN”
with a raised matted rib with blade front sight and standing notch rear sight. Casehardened action with carved percussion
fences, permanently attached forearm, and non-rebounding bolted backaction locks each signed “JOH. SPRINGER’S ERBEN IN WIEN”. Casehardened trigger plate with two set triggers, casehardened trigger guard, underlever, pistol grip cap and heel plate, the last with hinged trap cover. The whole with border and scroll engraving. Well-figured 13 1/2 inch pistol grip stock with multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm. Together with a modern print copy of the travel diary of Archduke
Franz Ferdinand of Austria in German “Tagebuch Meiner Reise Un Die Erde 1892-1893”.
CONDITION: Fine as partially refinished. The barrels retain near 100% rebrowned finish with minor
evidence of corrosion spotting on the rib, barrel signatures refreshed. Action retains 95% renewed
casehardened finish with clear engraving, colors strong around the fences, a small patch of pitting
noted on the left side beneath the fence. Locks retain 90% fading original casehardened finish.
Engraving generally clear throughout. Stock is good with scattered age related storage and handling
marks and blemishes. Guide lines for the game record pins visible, engraving to the game record
plaque clear. Checkering remains well defined. Set trigger mechanism for the right barrel sticking.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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