The included I.M. Crudgington/George Gibbs Ltd. Letter (copy) states that while most of the Gibbs records were destroyed in 1940 during the blitz on Bristol the record for this rifle (confirmed by serial number) is still present. The letter gives a 1914 year of manufacture, stating that it is one of the first to be produced, and was originally furnished with an enamel "moon sight" and a spare "very fine platinum foresight". Elevated beaded blade front and three-leaf (one standing, two folding) rear express notch sights on a heavyweight barrel with center band with sling eye, breech end of the barrel marked "FOR/GIBBS/.505/CARTRIDGE ONLY", standard London nitro proofs, top of barrel marked "GEORGE GIBBS. BRISTOL & 35 SAVILE ROW. LONDON. W.", one-line Mauser address on the left receiver rail, and matching serial numbers on the right side of the barrel and trigger guard. Bolt (Mauser) number is 3503, on top with Gibbs number B6415 on bottom. Checkered walnut pistol grip stock with steel grip cap and solid rubber Decelerator recoil pad.

Fine with 40% original blue finish areas of a mottled brown/gray patina, added front sight hood, replacement rear sight, small nicks and scratches throughout, and some areas of spotting and mild pitting. The professionally refurbished stock has sharp recut checkering, small dings, some visible filled spots on the buttstock, and slightly oversize modern recoil pad. Mechanically excellent.