Manufactured in circa 1890-1895, this best quality rifle incorporates John Deeley’s patent ejector system (No. 4289 of March 26, 1886, use number 6629) and Metford patent rifling. The blued chopperlump barrels are each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end and are respectively signed “METFORD 1820 GEORGE GIBBS 39, CORN STREET, BRISTOL.” and “BARRELS SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL (CHAMBERED) FOR GIBBS No.2 CASE”. The sunken rib has a file cut matted quarter rib with scroll engraved extension, blued dovetailed rear sight of one standing notch sight and four folding notch leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 500 yards, and ramp mounted bead front sight, and the ramps to the quarter rib and front sight are scroll engraved. The casehardened treble grip action has blued removable firing pin bushings, a blued toplever, and a blued automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The casehardened backaction sidelocks are signed “GEORGE GIBBS”. The trigger plate is also casehardened, and the furniture comprises a blued trigger guard and a casehardened grip cap with hinged trap cover. The whole is finely and profusely decorated with classic English bouquet and scroll engraving. The underside of the barrels and water table are struck with Birmingham black powder proof marks. The well-figured walnut pistol grip stock has a rubber recoil pad, panels of multipoint checkering on the grip and forearm, blued Anson push button forearm release, and blank silver initial oval escutcheon on the underside of the butt, and the corresponding sling eye is fitted beneath the barrels. In brass cornered oak and leather fitted case with oak partitions and lined in red baize, with some accessories, including leather sling, large oiler, and chamber brush. 14 5/8 inch length of pull. Weight 9 lbs. 9 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine as expertly refinished and retaining nearly all of the blue finish and renewed case colors throughout and clear engraving and signatures. The wood is in very good condition, possibly an older restock, and has sharp checkering. The right hand ejector requires attention; otherwise mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are good with some exterior age staining and wear, straps replaced, and the interior expertly relined.