John Rigby & Co. has long been among the world's best bespoke arms makers, and this gun surely exemplifies all of the features that have earned them this distinction. Blued chopper lump barrels with ramped blade front sight with flip over moon bead sight (bead absent), front sling swivel, raised rear quarter rib featuring a three-leaf (one standing, two folding) rear sight with gold inlaid center lines and range markings out to 75 yards, a flourish of gold inlaid scroll at the base, and beautifully executed "John Rigby & Co." inlaid in gold on the rib. The barrels also feature dual gold lines at either breech, chambers with ejectors, and London nitro proofs dating to the year 2000 ("MM") along with a small import mark on the flats. The coin finished gold plated sidelock action is a true work of firearms high art which very few arms can even begin to equal. To begin, the fences are deeply carved showing scrolling leafy designs with the background a matted gold, the top of the action shows a majestic lion as well as fine flush scrollwork and a snake coiling on the toplever and more scroll interspersed with butterflies running down the length of the extended tang. Next, the main body of the frame and lockplates displays phenomenal works showing a pair of cape buffalo staring down the viewer from the high grass on the left side as well as a pair of song birds and a Rigby signature, the right side shows a trio of rhinoceroses watching for predators on the savannah with another song bird at the front and a Rigby signature, and the underside of the action exhibits a magnificent trumpeting bull elephant, a lioness laying in the tall grass ahead of it, and singing song bird above its head. The triggerguard shows a snarling leopard as well as more scrollwork running down the length of the tang and surrounding the gold inlaid serial number. All of the animal scenes and scroll are cut through the gold finish creating a highly contrasting pop of bright coin resulting in a very attractive look. The rifle is signed "G. Steduto Creative Art" for world renowned Italian Master Engraver Giovanni Steduto of the Creative Art Studio. The rifle features bushed firing pins, dual triggers (the front is articulated), and a tang mounted manual safety switch. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forend with matching engraved and gold plated fittings and an Anson button release. The stock is of the same exceptional figure with tear drop flats, matching engraved and plated trapdoor grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, and leather wrapped recoil pad. Includes an oak & leather takedown case with Rigby trade label containing a two-piece cleaning rod with brushes, gold plated oilers, gold snap caps, and a set of horn handled turnscrews. The length of pull is 14 3/4 inches and the rifle weighs in at 11 lbs. 7 oz. Provenance: The Robert E. Petersen Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Excellent overall retaining 99% plus of the original respective finishes showing minimal minor handling marks on the wood and crisp stock checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with broken hinge, handle absent and handling/storage marks. This rifle is truly a work of art that would be nearly impossible to improve upon, do not miss this chance to own this absolutely astounding piece!