This double rifle was manufactured in the late 19th century and is marked "ELLIOT & SHELDON. MAKERS." on the textured solid rib near the breech and "ELLIOT & SHELDON" on the top edge of both of the back action lock plates. Elliot & Sheldon are listed as gun and pistol makers at 25 Whittall Street in Birmingham's 1878 and 1879 post office directories as well as other 1880s listings. "English Gunmakers: The Birmingham and Provincial Gun Trade in the 18th and 19th Century" by De Witt Bailey and Douglas A. Nie lists them as active 1867-1882 and notes they manufactured "Elliott's Breech Loader on the windage system." The underside of the barrels is marked with English proofmarks including "38." "4245" is marked on the bottom of the rib, and "3203" is marked on the bottom of the right barrel at the breech, on both sides of the water table, and on the lower tang. It is equipped with a blade front sight and notch rear sight with additional 200 and 300 yard leaves and platinum sight lines. Aside from the barrels and some small parts, the various components have tight English scrollwork engraving. The grip and forearm are checkered, and the stock also has a sling swivel, a monogrammed silver initial shield, and a checkered bare butt with heel and toe plates. .50 Caliber double rifles were particularly popular in the late 19th century among elite members of European society who sought out dangerous game in Africa and India. Though popular in this class, they are quite rare owing to the limited number of people who could afford such a fine and expensive sporting arm.

Very good. The blue finish on the barrels has mostly faded to a brown patina. There are strong original case colors in the protected areas of the various components such as around the hammers and primarily a gray patina on the balance. There is some light spotting. The wood is very good with mostly crisp checkering on the forend and grip, partially smoothed checkering on the butt, and various small dings and light scratches. The locks function excellently, and the markings are crisp throughout.