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LOT 3436
Factory Engraved John Rigby & Co. Backaction Hammer Double Rifle in .500 Black Powder Express
- Serial no. 14861, 500 Black Powder Express cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This
rifle was built between 1875 and 1880, per the information given on
page 128 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London” Blued steel barrels with blade front and two leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight on the matted solid rib which is marked “John Rigby & Co. Dublin
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000
& London”, front sling swivel, light engraving band at the breeches, correct period London proofs, and chambers with single extractor. The casehardened rotary underlever backaction
displays highly attractive floral scroll engraving, Rigby signatures on either lockplate, and scroll extending to the hammers, underlever, and both tangs.
The rifle features non-rebounding hammers, hammer bars, and double triggers. Nicely
figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with rotary latch and engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with
horn grip cap and checkered steel buttplate. Length of pull 14 1/2 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 13 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% plus original blue finish, 50% of original case colors in the protected areas with a fine grey patina on
the balance, and overall light handling/use evidence. The pistol grip has been broken and nicely repaired, otherwise the wood is very fine with some dings and scratches and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
LOT 3437
Antique Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons Rotary Underlever Double Rifle - Serial no. 14415, 450/400 cal., 28
inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle was manufactured in 1892 according to serial number data provided
on page 194 of Donald Dallas’ book “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History”. Blued steel barrels with beaded blade front sight and two
position rear sight on the matted flat solid rib, Audley House address on the left, Whitworth steel marking on the
right, and London blackpowder proofs on the flats. The casehardened back action locks and Jones Underlever receiver display carved fences and highly attractive
Purdey bouquet & scroll engraving with Purdey
signatures on either lockplate. The gun features double
triggers and rebounding hammers with hammer bars. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered
splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and pistol grip stock with casehardened and
engraved grip cap, raised cheekpiece, and checkered steel buttplate which is marked “CHARGE/3 DRAMS No 6 POWDER” (the standard charge
for 450/400 2 3/8” BPE). Length of pull 14 5/16 inches. Weight 7 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 95% original blue to the barrels, case colors remaining in the protect areas with the balance an attractive silver, a few
dins in the rib, and light overall light handling evidence. The wood is fine with reapplied finish and worn but well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
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LOT 3438
Antique Factory Engraved Williams & Power Jones Underlever Double Rifle - Serial no. 8882, 450 black powder express cal., 26 inch solid
rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1890 per page 127 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume Two: Birmingham, Scotland, & the Regions. Blued Damascus steel barrels with a beaded blade front and two position rear sights on the matted solid rib which
is marked “WILLIAMS & POWELL, 25 SOUTH CASTLE St. LIVERPOOL.” and London black powder proofs on the flats. The
casehardened back action locks and Jones Underlever receiver display scroll engraving with Williams & Powell signatures on either lockplate and feature double triggers and non-rebounding hammers with hammer bars. Nicely figured, fully checkered forend with engraved fittings and pistol
grip stock with engraved and casehardened grip cap, blank inscription oval, and smooth steel buttplate. Length of pull inches. Weight 8 lbs. 15 oz.
CONDITION: Very good, showing a mix of grey and brown patina on the barrels, traces of case
colors beneath a green varnish on the locks and receiver, and moderate handling evidence. The refurbished wood is very
fine with a chip at the left of the forend and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,500