November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Extremely late production, with patent number 972, within the very last (third before the end) of these rifles produced. Jonathan Kirton, one of the foremost researchers on single shot rifles discusses this rifle in some length in "The British Falling Block Breech Loading Rifle from 1865", pgs. 136-138. Kirton shares details from factory ledger on production of rifle, which included over 670 hours before engraving. Additionally, it is known that this rifle was made for J. Hamilton Leigh, shipped August 25, 1910; Kirton also owned this particular rifle, and it is one of the progenitors of his research. Sleeved on front sight with fire blued sight cover on a bead front sight. Sling eye soldered on underside of barrel. Sleeved on silver line rear sight with one standing sight with no range indicator, two folding leaves for 300 and 500 yards. Forearm checkered with point pattern. Top of barrel with "George Gibbs, Bristol / & 35 Saville Row, London, W.". Classic Farquharson falling block action with two screws visible and case colored with extensive well cut medium sized scroll engraving and lined florals. Birmingham Nitro proofs for 280. Single checkered trigger. Unusual on a Gibbs Farquaharson, automatic tang safety with "SAFE" inlaid in gold. Receiver ring with 972 patent use number, serial number is located just behind trigger guard, 20204. Metal pistol grip cap with trap and "13 / 845" (Africa registry number) stamped into wood behind. Wrist checkered in point pattern. Nicely marbled and lightly figured stock with sling eye and vacant oval escutcheon along belly. Tacked on leather cheekpiece, believed to have been added by Leigh during his Kenya trip, as another gun known to have accompanied him, patent number 970, has a similar pad installed. Orange recoil pad has crystallized. Canvas wrapped case with brass corners and leather lining and wine colored interior and accessories comprising cleaning rod with head, sling, original case strap, 2 snap caps, Lightwood square oil bottle, two screw drivers, bone cylinder marked on bottom with ".280 / No 972" with extra front sights and screws, combination wrench and pin depresser, small leather wallet with ".280 // Rarquharson / Sporting Rif;e / No 972" with two spare firing pins (1 tip broken) mainspring, link, and a wrapped empty ammo box of Kynoch .280 Flanged NE rounds with "From Greener Collection" on rear of box. Small piece of paper with what appears to be bullet data on it. Gibbs trade label in lid. CONDITION: Very good with some honest wear areas. Heavily silvered at the balance point where gun would have been carried. Some silvering to high edges. Some spotting to metal. Receiver retains the majority of case coloring with crisp engraving, some losses on perimeter of metal with more case colors retained at protected areas. Wood is very good with similar marks from a life of use but no discernible cracks or splits; 2 good sized dents on right side of butt near heel. Checkering somewhat smoothened. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is excellent, bright and shiny, with crisp rifling. Accessories are very good with marks commensurate with gun. Case is very good with some scuffs and edge wear. Straps replaced, handle very good with tenderness at loops; exercise caution. A lovely gun with plenty of condition and a lifetime of use! EW
Caliber/Bore
.280 Flanged Nitro Express
Drop at Comb
Approx. 1 - 7/8"
Drop at Heel
Approx 2 - 9/16"