This fine double big game rifle was built in circa 1897-1898 during the latter period of the partnership between James Lang, son of Joseph, and Henry Hussey who until 1894 had been an assistant manager at Holland & Holland. The blued barrels are respectively signed “LANG & HUSSEY LD.” and “102. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON,” and each breech end is engraved with a band of stylized foliage. The raised flat file cut matted rib has a bead front sight, blued rear sight of one standing notch sight and two folding notch leaf sights graduated to 300 yards each with platinum inlaid center line, and doll’s head extension. The casehardened action has carved percussion fences, Jones patent underlever, casehardened trigger plate, and casehardened trigger guard. The casehardened back action rebounding locks each have a blued safety catch in front of the hammer and is signed “LANG & HUSSEY LD.” There is border engraving with lines of running foliage and rosettes on and around the screwheads. The underside of the barrels and water table are struck with London black powder proof marks. The well-figured 14 inch walnut pistol grip stock has a slender rubber recoil pad, raised cheekpiece, and checkered grip and forearm, and the latter has a lever fastener. The underside of the butt has a blank silver oval initial escutcheon and sling eye, and a corresponding sling eye is fitted beneath the barrels. Weight 10 lbs. 5 oz. It comes in a brass cornered, leather fitted case lined in green baize with a black leather Joseph Lang & Son trade label with gilt lettering inside the lid and the exterior of the lid marked for “LT. COL. O.Y. HIBBERT./1st. R.W. KENT. RGT.” The bottom of the case has a "COX & KING'S/(AGENTS), LTD/BOMBAY" markings. The case markings indicate it was owned by English officer Oswald Yates Hibbert (1882-1966). He reached colonel in the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order during the first Mesopotamian compaign of World War I, was held as a prisoner along with 226 other men from his unit by the Ottomans after the Siege of Kut-al-Amara (only 6 survived the harsh conditions), remained in the Army in the interwar era in India and Ireland after recovering from the privations of captivity, retired, and returned to service during World War II as the commander in the North West region of Britain and ended his career at the rank of brigadier. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine. The barrels retain 95% reblued finish with some scattered age related marks, handling blemishes, and softened signatures. The action and locks retain 50% original faded casehardened finish and crisp engraving. The stock has minor age related storage and handling marks and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The relined case has exterior age stains and marks, restored lid ends, and replacement straps.