April 9th & 10th Premier Firearms Sale (MFIRE)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/9/2016
Cal .750 Express, Barrel length 26". JD Dougall and Son operated their gun shop in London at 59 St. James St, beginning in 1869. Where they patented the lock-fast action. In 1872 they were appointed makers to the Prince of Wales and sometime soon after were appointed makers to the Duke of Edinburgh (Alfred). They boasted of these accolades but way of stamping "Makers to the Duke of Wales" with his feathered crest on top of rib and frame. On left side of frame is stamped "By special warrant to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh" which would indicate that this rifle was made sometime after 1872. This is one of the largest caliber S/S double express rifle ever manufactured and were popular in the UK market. The famous big game hunter Frederick Selous took a total of 78 elephants with this type of weapon between 1874-1876. The brass case measures over 3-1/2" and the lead projective weight 1200 grains. This rifle was one of a brace of weapons as it is numbered 1 on the top rib. Features a 1/2" matted center rib with a single blade front side and an engraved 3 leaf express folding rear sight marked "150", "200", "250". Features engraved double hammers, engraved side plates and frame with double safeties and right side release. Double triggers, checkered walnut stocks with solid rubber recoil pad. Rear stock has been stored or replaced and has a more modern sling eye. Forearm is original, checkering is worn. Metal has been refinished and shows some light salt and pepper under reapplied finish. Fine rifled bores, fine action. Extremely handsome and scarce .750 short barrel express double rifle, deeply rooted in British 19th century big game hunting lore.