June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/9/2017
The barrel on this rifle is stamped, "W.R. PAPE. NEWCASTLE ON TYNE NO. 2488". According to the book on British gunmakers, Pape opened his shop in 1830. This beautiful English single shot rifle was built using the small Martini action fitted with a full octagon barrel, sporting front sight, two leaf folding rear sight and English style straight grip walnut. Both wrist and forearm are checkered. The frame, lever and trigger guard has typical English engraving, along with the buttplate screws. Left side of the frame is stamped "Martini's Patent 3639". Barrel retains approximately 80% original blue with sharps edges and legends. Frame retains approximately 40% finish, balance turning patina. Wood is excellent with the small exception of a chip at the toe. Action is fine. Strong clean rifling. This rifle takes self contained cartridge, probably a .360 No. 5 Rook that was introduced in 1875 with a bullet diameter of .362".