April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
(1898) Built on an early transitional 98 intermediate length small ring Mauser barreled action, and finished by Rigby's, circa 1898, this rifle was subsequently factory converted to the later HV loading. It appears that the rifle was refinished at that time. It has 25" tapered round barrel fitted with one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight, marked for HV cartridge in sleeved-on island base. Small ivory bead front sight is in typical Rigby styled ramp. A sling eye is soldered to bottom and top is engraved "John Rigby & Co Ltd 43. Sackville Street. London. W.1." (after 1908) Bottom of barrel is stamped with Birmingham nitro proofs for 173 grain bullet. Rear portion of barrel has early Rigby type detachable scope base, dovetailed through. Early transitional Mauser action has bolt with small gas escape ports and no shroud locking detent. Receiver ring is engraved "Rigby" ".275" "High Velocity". Bridge is fitted with rear Rigby scope base, and a side mount base is installed on left side wall. Rigby serial number is on left side of action where covered by wood. Bottom action is stamped with serial number,and importer "BSA Millbrook NY". Pear shaped bolt knob has been turned down, and single pull trigger retained. Flag safety has been lowered for scope use, and cocking piece is cut for Rigby type rear sight (removed). Bottom metal has military type floorplate release, and Rigby serial number is on trigger guard bow. Lightly figured European walnut round knob pistol grip stock measures 14-1/2" over serrated steel buttplate. Point pattern checkering is at grip and forend. A sling eye is on toe line. Rifle is accompanied by a leather sight protector attached to thong tied through front swivel eye. A Swarovski Habicht 4X scope with crosshair and three post reticle is in QD side mount,and has leather lens covers. Rifle is housed in old probably contemporary with conversion to HV, green canvas leather trimmed full length Rigby case. Case is lined in green cloth, and has Sackville Street Rigby paper label. Case has space for rifle and scope. Weight without scope: 7 lbs. 13 oz. CONDITION: Excellent, as refinished, most likely by factory, with HV conversion. All metal parts retain approximately 80% blue, silvering and thinning at normal wear points. Later scope mount has had blue added. Stock retains most of a later oil finish, checkering re-cut, probably at time of newer scope mounting. Bore is excellent, shiny with sharp, strong rifling throughout. Action is smooth. Case is fine. Canvas is faded, leather dark, with many scuffs and rubs. Interior cloth is good with some rubs through. Label good, but soiled and large rub-through from contact with scope mount. Scope is good, optically clear, but with scattered spotting on exterior. MGM160. CORRECTION: Barrel shows evidence of having been sleeved.
Accessories
Case and scope
Caliber/Bore
7mm Mauser (.275 Rigby)
Drop at Comb
Approx 1 - 7/8"
Drop at Heel
Approx 2 - 7/16"
Serial Number
522 (Mauser) 1213 (Rigby)