December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1247:
(M) BEHEMOTH M.K. OWEN 4 BORE OWEN-REWA DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE AND AMMO.
Prior to the introduction of the nitro express cartridges, large black powder 4 bore rifles reigned supreme for taking dangerous game due to their unquestionable stopping power. Even in the 20th century, there was still an allure to these massive guns. In the 1920s, the Maharajah of Rewa ordered what is perhaps the most interesting and deadly of these 4 bore dangerous came rifles; rather than using the old black powder loads he desired Cordite. Holland & Holland produced just one such double rifle. In the 1990s, master gunmaker Ken Owen of Memphis, Tennessee took inspiration from the Maharajah's H&H and produced a few of his own 4 bore "Rewa" rifles, reported just 6 in total. The rifles were all hand crafted. The blued barrels are mounted with a wide serrated sighting rib. The raised front sight base has a beaded blade front sight and folding moon sight. Gold lined standing rear sight with gold lined folding express leaves graduated "100" and "150". Barrels are marked "M.K. OWEN - MEMPHIS, TN" and "4 BORE REWA 4" CASE / 85 GR. CORDITE 2000 GR. BULLET". Solid Greener cross bolt lockup. Beautifully case hardened action engraved "MK OWEN" on the lock plates. Double triggers and a case hardened trigger guard. Wide checkered walnut splinter forend with Anson style pushbutton release, the irons case hardened. The handsomely figured stock has a checkered pistol grip capped in case hardened steel, shadow line European cheek piece, "WC" monogrammed toeline inlay (for Whitefoord Cole II presumably), and a red rubber pad. Underside of the barrels and toeline are mounted with sling eyes. Rifle is accompanied by its red lined leather wrapped case with M.K. Owen trade label and straps. Also included are 4 5-round boxes of loaded M.K. Owen 4 bore Owen-Rewa cartridges, 2 of the boxes appearing to be custom reloaded. CONDITION: Excellent. Nealy all of the present blue is retained with a few light scratches. Vibrant case colors displayed throughout. Stocks are crisp with a few impressions. Mirror bright bores. Breech face shows some mild evidence of use. Fine mechanics. Case is fine. A colossal dangerous game rifle that would make an excellent addition to any collection of extraordinary firearms.
Caliber/Bore
4 Bore Rewa 4"
Length of Pull
14 - 1/2" over pad