This target rifle was built by George Gibbs of Bristol in circa 1882-3 on a Farquharson patent falling block action (patent use no. 389). It has been rebarrelled during its working life by John Rigby & Co. of London creating a fine hybrid with input from two of the finest rifle makers of the period. With blued heavy slightly tapering round barrel signed “JOHN RIGBY & CO. DUBLIN & LONDON” in Gothic script, with mounting block for the front sight and a short raised flat at the breech end. Casehardened action signed “GEORGE GIBBS BRISTOL” on the left side and “FARQUHARSON’S PATENT 389” on the right side, the whole with fine bouquet and scroll engraving, the trigger unit with cocking lever with checkered thumb rest to the right side. The upper tang of the action fitted with a block for a rear aperture target sight. Furniture comprising pistol grip cap and blued butt plate. Well figured 14 inch pistol grip stock with checkered grip and forearm, the latter with large dark horn cap, and raised cheekpiece. The underside of the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon. With cased contemporary sight set comprising rear sight with platinum side panels calibrated with distance markers and noting “RAD 48 INCH”, and six elements for the windage adjustable front sight. Birmingham black powder proof marks to the action.

The barrel retains 90% thinning reblued finish with clear signature, color beginning to fade to plum with minor rubbing to edges. The chamber is cut for a slightly tapering straight case, quite possibly the .450 2 6/10 inch Match cartridge. The action retains faded traces of original casehardened finish, clear engraving throughout. The stock is a fairly recent high quality replacement with a smooth virtually blemish free finish and fine multipoint checkering. The forearm is older, possibly dating from the rebarrelling, it retains clean and crisp recut checkering. The sights are for a different rifle and are calibrated for a longer sight radius. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.