Manufactured in circa 1910, this rifle features blued chopper lump hammered steel barrels respectively signed “R.B. RODDA & CO. 2 WELLESLEY PLACE. CALCUTTA” and engraved “FOR CORDITE .450/.400 3” CASE”, each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end, and with single extractor. Sunken concave rib with file cut matted ramp mounted bead front sight and file cut matted quarter rib with express sight of one standing notch sight and four folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 500 yards. Bolstered treble grip action signed “R.B. RODDA & CO.” on each side, with removable firing pin bushings, blued toplever, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, blued floorplate and blued trigger guard. The whole engraved with classic English scrollwork, the sides of the action respectively engraved with a leopard and a bear, and the trigger guard bow with a stag, all in naturalistic settings. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with London nitro proof marks. Figured 14 1/4 inch walnut pistol grip stock including orange rubber recoil pad, with raised cheekpiece and panels of multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm, the latter with blued Anson push button release. Scroll engraved iron pistol grip cap and casehardened forearm iron. The underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon and blued sling eye, the corresponding sling eye fitted beneath the barrel. Includes a brass cornered leather case marked "His Highness Maharao Raja Sir Raghubir Singh Sahib Bahadur/G.C.I.E. K.C.S.I./Chief of the Bandi State". With maroon baize interior and maker's label. Weight 10 lbs. 7 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

In very good condition. The barrels retain 98% reblued finish with some recent storage blemishes to the right tube. Action with clear engraving, toplever, floorplate and trigger guard each retaining 100% reblued finish. Inner surface of forearm iron retaining faded traces of original casehardened finish. Stock refinished with occasional scattered age related storage and handling blemishes, checkering well-defined. The case is very fine with various handling marks, replacement leather straps, and relined interior. The maker's label appears to be original with stains and some sections absent and has been applied to another piece of cardstock. Mechanically excellent.