The .250-3000 Savage cartridge, originally developed for the Savage Model 99 lever rifle, was a popular high velocity chambering for hunting rifles from its inception in 1915 and was the first American cartridge to obtain a velocity of 3000 ft/s. Whilst mostly associated with Savage-made lever rifles, its popularity spread and some British gunmakers made lighter weight double rifles chambered for this high velocity cartridge. These are seldom encountered making this rifle a rarity amongst classic British double rifles. Manufactured in circa 1920, this rifle features blued barrels respectively signed “MANTON & CO., GUN MAKERS, CALCUTTA & DELHI” and “BY APPOINTMENT TO H.E. THE VICEROY” towards the breech, and each tube is engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end. The concave rib is engraved “.250/3000 SAVAGE H.P. CARTRIDGE” and sighting comprises partially file cut matted ramp mounted bead front sight, and quarter rib with one standing notch sight and two folding notch sights each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 300 yards. Treble grip action signed “MANTON & CO.” on each side, with blued removable firing pin bushings, blued toplever, automatic safety, blued floorplate and blued trigger guard. The whole engraved with classic English border and scrollwork. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with London nitro proof marks. Figured 14 5/8 inch walnut pistol grip stock with panels of multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm, the latter with lever fastener. Blued furniture comprising partially checkered buttplate and scroll engraved pistol grip cap. The underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon and blued sling eye, the corresponding sling eye fitted beneath the barrel. Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

This small caliber double rifle is in very good condition with clear engraving throughout. The barrels retain 99% of their reblued finish with some slight rubbing at the muzzles. The action retains slight traces of faded original casehardened finish to the water table and breech face. Action floorplate with nearly all of the reblued finish, trigger guard with nearly all of the reblued finish. Stock refinished with scattered minor age related storage and handling marks, well defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.