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Stunning Pair of Consecutively Serial Numbered J. Beattie & Son Snider Patent Sporting Rifles
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LOT 1335
Excellent Matched Pair of Engraved James Beattie & Son Snider Patent Sporting Rifles with Case -A) James Beattie & Son Snider Patent Sporting Rifle - Serial no. 4021, 577 Snider cal., 26 1/2 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This fine pair of rifles are built on B.S.A. manufactured Snider MK.III actions that were assembled and finished by the London firm James Beattie & Sons. Both rifles have dovetailed blade front and three position (100, 200, and 300 yards) rear sights with the “B” likely having been replaced. The tops of the barrels are marked “J. BEATTIE & SON.” and “205. REGENT STREET. LONDON.” behind and in front of the rear sight. The actions bear standard period London proof marks and near full coverage floral scroll engraving extending to the hammers and breech blocks. The same style of engraving is carried through the trigger guards and upper and lower tangs. The trigger guards also feature a pistol grip extension. They are mounted in beautifully figured straight grip stocks with multi-point checkering at the forend section and around the wrist, horn forend tips, and inscription ovals marked “K/49” and “K/48” for the “A” and “B” gun respectively. The “B” gun also bears “K 48” stamped into the stock to the right of the trigger plate. These numbers are likely stock numbers for
a sportsman’s club or hunting lodge. Includes a two gun takedown case with brass plaque on lid marked “X/K/48/49” that houses both rifles, cleaning tool, and turnscrews.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% original brown finish with some thinning and rub spots, strong Damascus pattern, 90% original case colors, and light handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with scattered minor scratches and sharp checkering. The case is very good with mild storage/ transport type wear. Mechanically excellent.