GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
RARE AND DESIRABLE GEORGE GIBBS MINIATURE FARQUHARSON DROPPING BLOCK SINGLE SHOT RIFLE. GEORGE GIBBS FARQUHARSON DROPPING BLOCK 225 22 HORNET Cal. 22 Hornet. 26" Octagonal bbl is engraved "GIBBS BRISTOL" on top flat, and is fitted with one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight, and silver bead front longitudinally dovetailed into flat. Rear of right flat is stamped "225" matching action. Bottom of bbl is stamped with Birmingham black powder proofs for 100 bore. This rifle was probably originally in .360 Rook. Bbl has been lined to 22 Hornet, and has not been proofed. Diminutive baby Farquharson dropping block action is engraved "George Gibbs Bristol" on left side, and "FARQUHARSON''S PATENT" "225" on right, which is fitted with lever safety. Face of frame is stamped "1". Orig nicely marbled and lightly figured European walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over what appears to be orig ribbed horn buttplate with small widow''s peak. Point pattern checkering is at grip, and a vacant silver oval is on toe line. Matching small forend has rounded horn tip, and attaches to bbl with single screw through lozenge shaped steel escutcheon. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/16", drop at comb: approx 1-11/16". Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz. LOP: 14-1/4”. CONDITION: Good, as partially refinished. Bbl retains nearly all of an old re-black over considerable scattered pitting, some fairly deep along forend. Action retains traces of case color where well protected, is mostly gray to brown patina with scattered light pitting. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish over a number of light marks, some deep. Checkering re-cut, sharp edges slightly rounded. Bore is bright with sharp rifling throughout, and some scattered pits. Breech block is slightly loose (tight with spent case). A total of 974 Gibbs Farquharsons were produced, with an estimate of fewer than 200 being Rook rifles, fewer than 75 surviving, and only 10 - 15 unaltered (gleaned from Wal Winfer''s BRITISH SINGLE SHOT RIFLES Vol 2). This exceptionally scarce rifle deserves a complete restoration. Rook rifles are seldom found in good condition. 49224-5 MGM60 (5,000-8,000)