This rare diminutive double rifle was made in circa 1912 and features delightful engraved game scenes involving tigers on the underside and right face of the action and a leopard on the left face of the action all hunting deer in grassland or woodland settings. The trigger guard is engraved with a vignette of a further running deer in a grassland setting bordered by English scrollwork. With blued barrels each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end, respectively signed “R.B. RODDA & CO.” and “2. WELLESLEY PLACE. CALCUTTA & 24. WHITTALL STREET. BIRMINGHAM” on the tubes, and with single extractor. A concave rib is supplemented by a file cut quarter rib bearing the rear express sight of one standing and four folding leaves calibrated to “500” yards and extending to a doll’s head engraved with English scrollwork, and ramp mounted file cut front bead sight. Action signed “R.B. RODDA & CO.” on each side, with blued action floor plate and top lever, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, and further engraved English scrollwork to the top lever and top strap. Blued scroll engraved trigger guard. The underside of the barrels and the water table with Birmingham nitro proof marks for “32/40 EX”. Figured 14 3/4 inch pistol grip stock including rubber recoil pad, checkered grip and forearm, the former with blued scroll engraved grip cap, the latter with blued Anson push button release, and raised cheekpiece. The underside of the butt with gold oval initial escutcheon engraved with a monogram and fitted with a blued sling eye, the corresponding eye fitted to the underside of the barrels. Includes a period leather case with painted name on the lid which has become illegible and green baize interior. Weight 6 lbs. 10 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

The barrels retain nearly all of the reblued finish, signature, rib matting and breech engraving clear and crisp, engraving refreshed. Action a grey patina, engraving clear but slightly softened. Floor plate and furniture retaining nearly all of the reblued finish, engraving slightly softened. Forearm iron and release button also retaining nearly all of the reblued finish. Stock expertly refinished, well-defined checkering, and occasional scattered minor storage and handling blemishes. Case is good with various handling marks, replacement leather on each end of the case, replacement leather straps, and relined interior. Mechanically excellent.