GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
VERY RARE (ONE OF 37) .600 NITRO EXPRESS W. J. JEFFERY GRADE 1 UNDERLEVER EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE AND AMMUNITION. W. J. JEFFERY SXS DBL RIFLE 12175 .600 NE MODERN; IVORY Cal. .600 NE. 24" Chopper lump bbls with square shouldered dolls head extension are engraved "W. J. Jeffery & Co" and "13. King Street St. James''s. London" on tops. Bbls are fitted with matted quarter rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight, with standing leaf marked for 50, and leaves for 100 and 200 yards. Central portion is also matted. Stippled front ramp holds longitudinally dovetailed silver bead front sight. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for .600 express, for 100 grains of cordite, and 900 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with Krupp steel logos and information. A sling eye is screwed into bottom rib. Robust, case hardened, push forward underlever action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with 80% coverage well cut large shaded scroll. "W. J. Jeffery" is on each side. Scroll engraved floorplate is blued, as are underlever and trigger guard. SN is engraved on tang which extends to steel grip cap. Nicely marbled and figured, dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over Silver type pad, and features drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a sling eye, matching that on bbl, as well as a vacant silver oval, on toe line. Matching splinter forend fitted with Southgate ejector, has forward pivoting release. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Weight: 15 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Old oak and leather case with brass corners, and circular central medallion, is embossed with "D" surmounted by a baronet''s crown. Lower left is embossed "4". Interior is lined with scarlet cloth, and has W. J. Jeffery label in lid. Case contains 3-pc brass cleaning rod with ebony handle, three turnscrews (one with ebony handle, and two with ebonized handle), scroll engraved broken case extractor, new rectangular pewter oil bottle, old round oil bottle marked Hawksley, boxwood striker case, small round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, ebony handled dusting brush, and ivory handled dusting brush. Covered compartment has cleaning brushes in black leather wallet. Another compartment holds rifle sling with Supergrade type swivels. Also included are two 5-round boxes of Kynoch solids. PROVENANCE: Thad Scott invoice. H&H correspondence regarding another Jeffery rifle no. 11800. This rifle is listed in THE .600 NITRO EXPRESS by Cal Pappas, and Jeffery records indicate that it was completed by Saunders, 8 Feb 1902, and says it has a Baker ejector. This is definitely the same gun, however the ejectors are of Southgate type. CONDITION: Excellent, as completely and competently refurbished, most likely by factory, retaining nearly all of very fine finishes on wood and metal. It appears all engraving has been picked up, and new pins fitted as necessary. Stocks show some light marks with finish applied over some dark areas. Pad is relatively new. Checkering competently re-cut. Forend wood renewed, and is excellent. Bores are excellent with a hint of frosting in right bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is dark with many scuffs, marks and rubs, reattached to frame with tacks along front edge. Old strap and handle are good. Renewed interior cloth is excellent. Reproduction Jeffery label has been distressed. "Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory" accessories are fine. Despite its weight, this rifle sits well in your hands, and handles very fast. 49958-28 MGM96 (80,000-120,000)