GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
JOHN RIGBY RISING BITE HEAVY PROOF SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN. JOHN RIGBY SXS HEAVY PROOF SIDE LOCK 16617 12GA MODERN; C&R (ca 1900) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. This robust gun is actually a 10 ga which has had chambers sleeved to 12 ga. 29" Dovetailed bbls are engraved "John Rigby & Co 72 St. James's Street, London" in old English script on concave game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 10 ga., as well as some barely visible Birmingham proofs. Bbls have been fitted with thin wall chokes that are marked "Rigby". Case hardened sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), Bissell rising bite third fastener, and dbl triggers. Action has traditional Rigby styling with foliate carved fences, dipped top edge lockplates, and rounded beads. Action is engraved with near full coverage well cut shaded scroll within small scroll borders. "Jno Rigby & Co" is in English script on each lockplate. Blued trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN on tang. Nicely marbled and lightly figured European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over black Decelerator pad. Stock features typical "Rigby" small drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a small vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting lever release, engraved "Rigby's Patent", and is fitted with Rigby's unusual ejector system, which can be disengaged with hex nut. Bore diameter: left -.775, right - .777. Bore restrictions: Screw chokes. Wall thickness: left - .032, right - .032. Drop at heel: 3-1/16", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Cast: approx 5/8" on. Weight: 8 lbs. 5 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Gun is accompanied by a gold ballistic cloth covered case with stitched leather corners, lined in burgundy felt, containing straps, five choke tubes, and wrench. CONDITION: Fine, as refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a quality rust blue over some light pits, with a few subsequent marks. Action and lockplates retain nearly all of a well done re-color, engraving somewhat softened. Re-blue of top lever and trigger guard show a hint of silver. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish, sharp edges rounded. Wood is slightly under metal in some areas. Checkering is cleaned up a bit. Pad is new. A patch of wood has been inlet toward rear of forend with screw installed. Bores are very fine, lightly frosted. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Top lever spring is a bit weak. Ejectors are in time. Case is excellent. 50819-22 MGM240 (8,000-12,000)