The included letter of provenance from Capt. Kenneth E. Stager (Emeritus Senior Curator of Ornithology and Mammalogy; Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County), attributes this rifle as having been the property of Capt. Jack "Burma Jack" Girsham. Girsham was recruited by the British military following the Japanese invasion of Burma (Myanmar) as a Second Lieutenant to train the native Kachin people as en insurgency against the progressing Japanese forces. While in hospital with a leg injury he was then recruited to join an American volunteer fighting force the 5307th Composite Unit which became known as Merrill's Marauders where he operated as a jungle guide and lead scout. After the war Capt. Jack would go on to a career of big game hunting and scouting. Girsham also appeared in an episode of the American television series "High Adventure" (1955-1958) featuring tiger hunting in India. His autobiography "Burma Jack" was published in 1971. Elevated beaded blade front and five folding leaf rear notch sights graduated to 500 meters with platinum inlaid sighting lines, barrel marked "WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co. LONDON" ahead of the rear sight, takedown magnum Mauser action marked "WESTLEY RICHARDS/425 MAGNUM/EXPRESS" on the ring, and Lyman adjustable rear peep sight on the bridge. Checkered walnut pistol grip stock with horn forend cap and cosmetic magazine extension, hard rubber grip cap, raised cheekpiece, initial oval inscribed "JG" with light scroll, and solid rubber recoil pad.

Fine. The barrel and action have 85% period refinished rust blue, light maker's marks on the barrel, some edge wear, and areas of pitting (mostly along the forearm wood line). The refinished stock and forearm are also fine with crisp recut checkering, and small scattered dings. The takedown lever is a bit loose, as is the bolt catch, otherwise mechanically fine.