GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
FINE JOHN RIGBY RISING BITE SIDELOCK, SIDE LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH SCOPE AND CASE.RIGBYSXS DBL RIFLE16434303 BRITCal. .303 British. 26" Chopper lump bbls are fitted with full length matted rib, with large horseshoe extension to engage rising bite third fastener. Bbls have been fitted at a later date with a scope, which is Rigby marked and SNed to this gun. One standing leaf rear sight was refitted at the time, and dovetailed through makers name which is engraved in English script on rear portion of rib. It presently reads "_igby & Co 72 St James''s Street, London and _ublin". Ivory bead front sight is longitudinally dovetailed into raised portion of rib, which is also fitted with large flip-up "moon" bead. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for .303. Small sized case hardened, side lever, sidelock action is marked with Rigby and Bissell patent use number "638" on breechface, along with production number "2421". SN and Rigby logos are on water table. Action also features automatic bolted safety with push button detent and toggling bolt, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action with typical Rigby dipped lockplates, is filed with acanthus carved fences, and is engraved with near full coverage well cut shaded scroll. "Jno Rigby & Co" is on the front of each lockplate. SN is engraved on trigger plate tang. Trigger guard attaches to front portion of trigger plate and terminates into trigger plate at thickened rear portion of bow. Screw slots are of usual wide Rigby type. Nicely fiddle figured and well streaked European walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-5/8" over brown leather covered pad, and features typical drop points, point pattern checkering, and a large steel button for attachment of sling, on toe line. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting lever release with lever engraved "RIGBY''S PATENT". Drop at heel: approx 2-3/8", drop at comb: approx 1-1/2". Weight without scope: 8 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-5/8". What appears to be 2-1/2 X scope with crosshair reticle, is marked "John Rigby & Co" on elevation adjustment, as well as with this rifles SN on rear ring; also with Rigby name and 43 Sackville Street address on tube. Old leather case with leather corners and circular brass medallion on lid, is lined in scarlet cloth, and has reproduction Rigby paper label in lid. Case has space for rifle and scope, and contains a round Rigby engraved oil bottle. PROVENANCE: Old "Extract from Rigby Records" with orig specifications, stating it was delivered 12 Aug 1897 to L. S. Battye, Esq. CONDITION: Very good. Bbls retain over 95% of an old satin re-black. Action retains approx 10% orig case hardening color where protected, balance silver gray. Lockplates retain perhaps 30 - 40% of their orig color, strongest on right plate where protected by side lever. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish, sharp edges slightly rounded, and with numerous light marks and scratches. Checkering re-cut. Metford rifle bores are very good to fine, a bit dark in grooves with some erosion at throats. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Scope is very fine, retaining considerable amount of orig lacquer on ocular bell and parallax adjustment. Optics are slightly clouded. Case leather is considerably darkened, and has many bumps, rubs, and scuffs. New corners have been added. Old straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good with evidence of removed labels. Compartments rebuilt to accommodate rifle and scope. A fine little small bore Rigby, which should still shoot well. 50231-1 MGM272 (17,500-27,500)