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LOT 350
Exceptional, Finely Engraved
John Rigby Class C Under Lever
Double Rifle in .450 Caliber - Serial no. 16264, 450
cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
264
stock. Marked “Jn Rigby & Co” in gothic letters on both lock plates with the same and the addition of “72 ST JAMESS STREET LONDON & AT DUBLIN” on the barrel rib. The serial number matches on
the frame, trigger guard, forearm, forearm bar, forearm latch and barrels. The frame, locks, trigger guard, operating lever, forearm bar and forearm latch are all engraved with light floral scroll. Also, it is engraved “RIGBY’S PATENT” in a circle around the pivot. It is marked “CLASS C” on the bar inside. The left barrel is marked “CASE 450 NO 1. POWDER 110 GRAINS NO 6.,” and the right barrel marked “BULLET CANNALURED 350 GRAINS.” The walnut stock has a checkered pistol grip with a black cap and a checkered steel shotgun buttplate. The forearm has matching checkering. There are numerous markings inside the gun. The water table has the Rigby “JR” trademark and “CROWN/V” proofmark on each side and the serial number across the center. The barrel has “CLASS C” on the forearm support bar and the number “2078” alongside on the right barrel. The bottom flat
of the barrel has (from the muzzle): the Rigby trademark, “450 EX”, “CROWN/CP”, “CROWN/V” and Rigby proof on each side, and the serial number across the center. Another number, “15089,” was on the bottom of the right barrel but this has been overstamped by the other markings. The stock measurements are: drop at comb 1 1/2 inches; drop at heel 2 3/8 inches; toe slightly in; weight 9 Lbs. 1.2 Oz. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrels retain 85% of the original blue finish. The frame, lock, trigger guard and hammers retain
80% plus of the original bright vivid case colors, and the trigger guard tang is faded to a smooth gray. The break lever and forearm hardware have faded to a smooth gray, and strong traces of vivid case colors are on the break lever. The buttplate has a smooth mottled brown patina. The wood is fine with overall scattered, minor dents and handling marks and crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000