GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
JOHN RIGBY HAMMER DOUBLE EXPRESS RIFLE. JOHN RIGBY HAMMER DOUBLE EXPRESS RIFLE 13995 .500 BPE (1874) Cal. .500 BPE. 28" Steel bbls have broad, flat, file cut rib engraved in Old English script "John Rigby & Co Dublin & London". A one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight with platinum lines and marked for 150 and 250 yards, is dovetailed through. Small silver bead is longitudinally dovetailed into end of rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for .500 EX, 136 grains of black powder, and 340 grain bullet, as well as Rigby "RR" trademarks. A wide sling loop is soldered to bottom of rib. Round bodied Jones underlever action is fitted with peninsula type back action non-rebounding locks with round bodied serpentine hammers and back sliding stalking safeties that engage at half cock. Action is engraved with lightly cut 30% coverage large scroll; lockplates with scroll, feather borders, and game scenes of dogs chasing snipe. "Jno Rigby & Co" is deeply engraved at the top of each lock. Steel trigger guard has SN at grip. Nicely marbled and figured red-toned European walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over coarsely checkered steel buttplate with widow''s peak. Point pattern checkering with mullered borders is at grip. A steel sling button is on toe line. Matching splinter forend with shaped steel tip mounts to bbls with captive side nail through line engraved shaped steel escutcheons. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/4", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Weight: 10 lbs 2 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". CONDITION: Very good, as found. Bbls retain approx 50% of what may be orig blue showing considerable hand wear around forend, thinning overall, with numerous marks and scratches, engraving and file cutting of rib remain sharp. Action retains what appears to be traces of case color which may be newly applied at time of re-engraving, but is mostly a mottled dark gray. Buttstock retains most of what is likely its orig oil finish with numerous marks, maintained with added oil, checkering re-cut. Wood of forend has been refinished, checkering re-cut. Bores are very fine to excellent, strong rifling throughout, and a few scattered pits, mostly in right bbl, very light frosting throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. A good handling Rigby express rifle in a caliber that with the right loads and bullets is suitable for African big game. 49296-6 MGM82 (7,500-12,500)