The makers have kindly confirmed that this classic British double hammer rifle was completed in 1872 chambered for the .360 (No.5) cartridge. The blacked barrels are signed “JOHN RIGBY & CO. DUBLIN & LONDON” on the raised rib with bead front sight and rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves graduated from “50” to “150” yards, each leaf having a platinum inlaid center line. The diminutive action has carved percussion fences and the non-rebounding back action locks are each signed “JNO. RIGBY & CO.” Blued screwheads to the action, locks and trigger guard, blued triggers, and casehardened heel and toe plates. The action, locks and principal mounts engraved with scrollwork within beaded borders, the heel and toe plates engraved with rosettes around the screwheads and with borders of running foliage. Figured walnut stock with raised cheekpiece, and checkered grip, forearm and butt, the forearm with dark horn tip. The underside of the stock with blank silver initial escutcheon and sling eye, the corresponding front sling eye mounted on the rib beneath the barrels. The underside of the barrels and the action flats struck with Birmingham nitro reproof marks. In fitted leather take down case, the interior of the lid with John Rigby & Co. printed trade label, the exterior of the lid with old luggage and storage labels.

The barrels have been reblacked, originally having been damascus with a browned finish, some scattered corrosion marking visible beneath the finish to the underside where the forearm fits, rib signature softened. The barrels have been shortened by around an inch and tubed to .297/.250 with a replacement extractor. The engraving to the action, locks and trigger guard is clear, the surface of the metal discolored to a grey patina, the screwheads have been reblued as have the triggers. The stock has been refinished with some minor staining around the heal and toe plates, the checkering is well defined and the are some minor scattered storage and handling marks throughout. There is a very small chip to the left upper shoulder of the forearm wood and a minor chip to the left edge of the grip where the wood meets the trigger guard. Mechanically excellent. The case has been relined and refitted, the trade label has age staining and wear holes. The exterior of the case has a pleasing aged patina. A very rare opportunity to acquire a small frame small gauge classic British double hammer rifle. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.