R.B. Rodda & Co. were gunmakers, cutlers, and retailers based in England and Calcutta from c. 1830 to the mid-20th century. The rifle was almost certainly crafted by another gunmaker for Rodda. They primarily served as importers and retailers. The case lid has "No 10/Nawab Salar Jung Imad-us-Sultanat." The Salar Jung family was influential in the princely state of Hyderabad in India in a variety of roles from 1720-1948. Mir Turab Ali Khan, Salar Jung I (1829-1883) served as prime minister of Hyderabad from 1853 to 1883 and under Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI, the 6th Nizam of Hyderabad, held further power as part of the regency. He was a Knight Grand Commander in the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. His son, Mir Laiq Ali Khan, Salar Jung II, was a close friend and schoolmate of the 6th Nizam and also served as prime minister after his father. Salar Jung III established the well-respected art, manuscript, and artifact collections now housed Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad. Given the numbering on the case, this gun likely formed part of the families armory for use by both the family and their guests. It has browned barrels with Henry type rifling, a beaded blade front sight and two leaf rear sight with platinum sight lines graduated for 100 and 200 yards on the matted rib, "R. B. RODDA & CO. LONDON." on top of the left barrel near the breech, "AND 7 & 8 DALHOUSIE SQUARE. CALCUTTA." on the top of the right barrel at the breech, London proofs and the matching serial number on the bottom of the barrel flats and the water table, matching numbered forearm with fine checkering and English scrollwork engraved hardware, additional English scrollwork on the other components, "R.B. RODDA & Co." signed on both of the rebounding back action locks, well figured checkered pistol grip stock, silver escutcheon on the bottom of the buttstock, and sling swivel eyes on the bottom of the barrel rib and stock. In brass cornered oak lined leather case and contains a full compliment of accessories for maintenance and reloading including multiple components numbered to the gun and also marked with Rodda markings.

Fine with 50% original brown on the barrels, smooth gray where the finish is worn, strong original blue on the trigger guard bow, bright original case colors on the action and locks, some minor oxidation, light marks and scratches, and smooth gray on most of the balance. The wood is very good and has crisp checkering, minor scrapes and dings, and some attractive flame figure showing through the dark finish. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good with mild storage wear. This is a very interesting set owned by an influential family during the British Raj in India.