Manufactured around the 1870s and marked "Jno Rigby & Co" in Gothic letters on both lock plates and "John Rigby & Co Dublin & London" on the barrel rib. The frame, locks, trigger guard, operating lever, forearm bar, and forearm latch are all engraved with fine English floral scroll designs. The underside of the frame has a gold inlaid and engraved coronet over an intertwined "O" and "B" monogram. The same design is inscribed on the gold plate behind the sling stud. The coronets most closely resemble the "crown/coronet of nobility" used by the Dutch and is thus very likely the monogram of a Dutch nobleman. According to Rigby records, this rifle was ordered on March 17, 1875, as a "Best Double Rifle" for Count Qlferief with 26 inch barrels in .45 caliber, a patent sight 1.2.300, a weight of 8.15 pounds and a 14 7/16 inch stock length. At the time of this writing, Count Qlferief had not been identified, and it is highly likely that the name is misspelled in or misread from the Rigby records. The forearm release bar is also engraved "RIGBY'S PATENT" in a circle around the pivot. Each barrel flat is marked with a "crown/GP" and "crown/V" proofmark, an unrecognizable British proof, the letter "S" and a "JR" trademark symbol. The underside of each barrel is marked "TB," and the latch flat is marked "677". The same "JR" trademark symbol and "crown/V" are marked on each side of the water table. The matching serial number is marked on the lower tang, water table, barrel flat and on the forearm hardware. The recoil shield is marked "604" over an intertwined "BT." There is no caliber marking; however, the barrels gauge at 450, and some of the accessories are marked "450". It also has blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights, blue barrels, casehardened remaining metal parts, and a multi-point checkered, nicely figured walnut splinter forearm and pistol grip stock with a horn grip cap and checkered iron buttplate. Drop at the heel is 3 1/4 inches. Drop at the comb is 2 1/4 inches, and the weight is 8.14 pounds. It comes with an original leather and walnut John Rigby case with leather straps and handle and brass corner protectors. The lining is red felt with seven compartments. In the case are a round container with a number of extra small parts, four various sized screwdrivers, a punch, and two nipple wrenches (all with ebony handles); a "450" marked wadcutter, a brass muzzle cover, single cavity bullet mold, a glass jar of Hielas's exhibition prize oil, a two-piece wooden cleaning rod, "450" marked bore snake, .450 brass casings and other loading tools.

Fine. The period refinished barrels with 99% of the blue finish remaining. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled brownish gray patina with traces of original faded case colors mostly visible in the protected areas of the receiver. The wood is also very good with a few scattered minor dings and dents and crisp checkering. The engraving and markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. The case is good with a couple separated corners on the lid, some scattered minor nicks and scratches, and stains. The lining shows some stains and wear. The accessories are all very good or better.