April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
(ca 1900) The .450 Nitro Express was introduced by Rigby's in 1898, and gained almost instantaneous acceptance. This rifle made shortly after its introduction has 25" shoe lump barrels with full length file cut rib holding one standing two folding leaf express rear sight with gold triangle on standing leaf and lines on folding. Gold bead front sight under slip-on protector is in short file cut ramp. Unmatted portion of rib is engraved "George Gibbs 39 Corn Street, Bristol". Tops of barrels are engraved "SPECIAL .450 Bore Big Game Rifle" "For Special Cordite Cartridge & Bullet 480 Grains". Barrel flats are stamped with original London proofs for 70 grains cordite and 480 grain bullet. Splinter is heavily reinforced. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened Webley screw grip action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), screw grip third fastener engaging dovetailed rib extension, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action is engraved with 80% coverage very well cut small scroll. "GEORGE GIBBS" is on each side. Top lever is engraved "PATENT". Blued top lever, floorplate, and trigger guard are also scroll engraved and serial number is on trigger guard tang which extends to case hardened steel grip cap. Nicely veined and marbled European walnut steel capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14 - 5/8" over Silver type pad. Stock is classically styled with drop points, point pattern checkering, and large shadow line right hand cheekpiece. A sling loop matching that on barrels, along with a silver oval, engraved "P. F. T." are on toe line. Matching short splinter ejector forend has forward pivoting lever release. Gun is housed in relatively new green canvas case with brass corners, embossed "P. F. T." on leather patch on top, lined in burgundy cloth. Case was supplied by John Rigby & Company with their small label in upper left corner with George Gibbs label also in lid. Case contains a leather and green canvas carrying sling, large round oil bottle, cleaning fluids with Rigby labels, Rigby marked bench cloth, pull through cleaning kit, as well as a spare front sight and two keys. Weight: 10 lbs 0 oz. CONDITION: Excellent, as completely reconditioned, most likely by Rigby's. Barrels retain nearly all of a London re-black. Action retains essentially all of a St. Ledger quality re-hardening, all engraving re-cut. Essentially all the blue remains on top lever, floorplate, and guard. What appears to be a new buttstock retains essentially all of its finish except for a number of dents, scrapes, and compressions, mostly on left side. What appears to be original forend wood retains nearly all of its refinish, checkering re-cut. Bores are good to fine, with light frosting and considerable erosion of throat of right barrel. A new regulating wedge appears to be installed in muzzles, so rifle probably shoots quite well. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. Case is relatively new, excellent, with some light scuffs on exterior. Interior cloth is excellent, as are relatively new accessories. A nicely balanced big bore rifle. MGM161.
Drop at Heel
Approx 2 - 1/2"
Manufacturer
George Gibbs LTD