GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
GILES WHITTOME-LONDON SINGLE SHOT DROPPING BLOCK "ELEPHANT RIFLE" WITH OAK AND LEATHER CASE.J. A. Shirley & Co.SINGLE SHOT DROPPING BLOCK6002.577MODERN; IVORYCal. .577 Nitro express. The second rifle produced on this action size, these fine Farquharson inspired actions were built by J. A. Shirley & Co. in conjunction with Giles Whittome, noted big bore aficionado and gunmaker. This is in the 600 series of actions ideally suited for .577 and .600 bore rifles. This rifle features 24" tapered round bbl fitted with island rear sight base holding single standing leaf express rear sight marked for 50 yards, and large sleeved-on front ramp holding large "certified pre-ban ivory" bead. A sling eye is soldered to bottom of bbl. Top of bbl is engraved "Giles Whittome. London." and "The "Elephant" Rifle". Left rear of bbl is stamped with 1989 London nitro proofs, right side engraved ".577 NITRO EXPRESS 3"" and ".750 GRNS. BULLET 100 GRNS. CORDITE". Case hardened dropping block action is of the latest style with single pin visible on side, and features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and an adjustable trigger. Action is engraved with 80% coverage well cut small shaded scroll surrounding central floral bouquets around banner engraved "Giles Whittome" on each side. Breech block and trigger are blued. Scroll engraved operating lever is also color hardened, and is engraved with SN. Nicely streaked and finely figured dense European walnut skeleton steel capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-7/8" over leather covered pad. There are finely shaped panels at front and rear of action, classic flat top point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, swept right hand shadow line Monte Carlo cheekpiece, and a vacant gold oval along with a sling eye on toe line. Matching forend has buffalo horn tip and attaches to bbl with screw through lozenge shaped escutcheon. Drop at heel: approx 3", drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 2-3/8", drop at comb: approx 1-7/8". Weight: 12 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 13-7/8”. Highest quality oak and leather case with brass corners, is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather makers label in lid. Interior is finely fitted for rifle and has four oak covered compartments holding various accessories including a pair of rosewood handled turnscrews, 3-pc brass and rosewood cleaning rod with mop, brush, and jag, along with a packet of Players fine cut tobacco. An open compartment holds a snap cap and crystal oil bottle marked "Giles Whittome London". CONDITION: Excellent, near new, appears essentially unfired since proof, with only a few light handling marks, and some light scratches in wood. Case leather is excellent with only a scattering of light marks and rubs. Straps are excellent, but creased. Handle is excellent. Interior cloth is excellent with a few marks from contact with brass knobs of compartment covers and rifle. Label compressed from contact with stock. A well balanced big single. 49183-26 MGM35 (15,000-25,000)