Blued steel chopper lump barrels with a white beaded blade front sight on a raised section of rib, quarter rib at the rear holding the three leaf rear sight with gold center lines and marked for 50, 100, and 200 yards respectively, and a sling stud mounted on the under rib. The quarter rib is also marked "J. & L. WILKINS & Co. LONDON" in fine gold inlay and there are bands of engraving at the breeches and on the doll's head extension. The barrel flats have standard Birmingham proofs including the massive pressure rating of "3198 BAR" for the 700 N.E. cartridge and "YC in crossed swords" indicating a 1996 date of manufacture. Casehardened receiver features bushed firing pins, massive bolsters, automatic ejectors, carved fences, matching casehardened sidelocks, and fine floral scroll engraving. Each side of the receiver bears the maker's mark "J. & L. WILKINS & Co." in a banner and the underside is marked "NITRO/700./EXPRESS", all of which is inlaid in gold, along with the "SAFE" marking and serial number on the upper and lower tangs respectively. The left lockplate is relief engraved and gold inlaid with a highly detailed rhinoceros in a gold oval surrounded by scroll and yet another gold inlaid line border. The right lockplate is done in the same fashion but in place of the rhinoceros is a cape buffalo. Beautiful, highly figured, multi-point checkered walnut forearm with fittings engraved to match the receiver and an Anson button release. The pistol grip stock is of the same outstanding quality and displays tear drop carved flats, raised cheek piece, engraved grip cap with trapdoor, blank brass inscription oval, rear sling stud, and a substantial leather wrapped recoil pad. J. & L. Wilkins & Co. was purportedly the brainchild of two business men that had rifles built in England and marketed them under this name due to the fact that it sounded quite English, at least more so than their American and Indonesian names. It is also believed that only four .700 N.E. rifles were built by the firm, based on the serial number this is likely the fourth and last produced, 700 for the .700 N.E. cartridge and 4 for the fourth gun produced making the serial number 7004. Included with this beautiful high art rifle is a leather bound, brass fitted case with J. & L. Wilkins & Co. trade label on the inner lid holding a two piece cleaning rod, nickel oiler, and two snap caps. The length of pull is 15 1/4 inches and this behemoth weighs in at 16 lbs 9 oz.

Excellent, retaining nearly all of the original blue, casehardening, and gold finishes and the metal surfaces show almost no handling evidence at all. The gorgeous wood is also excellent with only a few small marks on the surface and some tiny imperfections around the metal inletting. The checking on the wood appears as if it were untouched. The case and accessories are very fine with only the slightest wear. Mechanically excellent. Very few rifles in .700 N.E. have been built by any gun makers due to the cost, complexity, and time of making such an enormous action. This is your opportunity to own a wonderful example of one right now, at much less expense than it would be to have on built.