The same type of Gibbs-Metford rifle was famously used by expert rifleman Sir Henry St John Halford to win the 1865 Cambridge Cup. Features a windage adjustable globe front sight with a Gibbs spirit bubble level, matching numbered vernier peep rear sight, matching numbered false muzzle piece, heavy target blued barrel marked "METFORD'S PATENT, 488." and "GEORGE GIBBS, 29, CORN STREET, BRISTOL.", casehardened lock marked "GEORGE GIBBS", and checkered pistol grip stock with horn forend cap and grip cap. An article from Research Press says "The 1865 Cambridge Cup match in Great Britain, which comprised two days shooting at 1,000 and 1,100 yards, fifteen shots at each range each day, was won by Sir Henry Halford using a Gibbs-Metford match rifle. The Times of 15 June 1865 had this to say of the rifle: 'The weapon with which the prize was won, will, it is said, create some stir among those interested in small-bore and long-range shooting, being on entirely new principles.' Metford's design utilised shallow rifling and a hardened expanding cylindrical bullet." Halford, who worked closely with William Ellis Metford, was a respected member of the government Small Arms Board Committee for the British military and would influence the subsequent trials in adopting a "small-bore" .45 caliber for use in standard infantry rifles in part due to his successes with his Gibbs-Metford Match rifle like this one. Included case with partial old British railway label on the lid, containing conical ball paper cartridges, cap tins, rod, cleaning tools in a square tobacco tin, and patches in a large square tin. Provenance: Firearms for Freedom Collection

Excellent, retaining 97% plus original bright blue finish on the barrel with loss around the muzzle from the false cap. 80% dark faded case colors on frame and lock with some light spotting, wear on the upper and lower tangs, and some mild pitting on the rear sight peep. Wood is excellent with some light handling marks and crisp checkering. Case shows heavy wear and aged patina on the outside. Working front sight bubble level with clear glass. Mechanically excellent. A spectacular rifle that would make a fine addition to any early British firearms collection!