Page 245 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 396
Fine Game Scene Engraved Presentation Inscribed
W.J. Jeffery .450/.400 (Nitro Express) Double
Barrel Boxlock Rifle - Serial no. 18959, 400 express
cal.. Manufactured in circa 1907, this rifle features
blued chopperlump Krupp steel barrels respectively signed “W.J.
JEFFERY & CO.” and “13 KING STREET ST. JAMES’S LONDON”, and with single extractor. Matted sunken concave rib with matted
ramp mounted bead front sight, matted quarter rib with express sight of one standing notch sight and four folding leaves each
with inlaid center line and graduated to 500 yards, and doll’s head extension. Casehardened action with blued removable firing pin
bushings, blued toplever, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, blued floorplate signed “W.J. JEFFERY & CO.” in gold and blued
trigger guard. The whole engraved with scrollwork, the sides of the action each engraved with a buffalo in a grassland setting. The
underside of the barrels and water table struck with Birmingham nitro proof marks. Figured 14 3/8 inch walnut pistol grip stock
including orange rubber recoil pad, with panels of multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm, the latter with blued Anson push
button release. Dark horn pistol grip cap and casehardened forearm iron and furniture. The underside of the butt with blank silver
oval initial escutcheon and blued sling eye, the corresponding sling eye fitted beneath the barrel. The right side of the butt inset with a brass plaque engraved “PRESENTED TO/PRINCE MADAN SINGH/OF KUTCH BY THE/MIR OF KHAIRPUR”. Weight 10 lbs. 7 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as refurbished retaining nearly all of the blue and casehardened finishes to the barrels, action and furniture. Sharp barrel signatures and engraving to the action undertaken at time of refinishing, crisp throughout. Stock has some scattered age related storage and handling marks throughout, checkering well defined. Pistol grip cap with some age related wear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
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