John Rigby & Co’ 300 Rook / 28 bore – Cased Set………SOLD
Created on June 5th 2015
By Sword & Musket is privileged to present for sale this fine Rigby side-lock rifle & shotgun cased set
This excellent cased set is completely matching with the serial number 3795. Research shows it was made in 1911 for Sir E .Lechmere Bt. A letter confirming as much is included. On top of the lid are the initials “E C L.” The case is covered in canvass and leather with brass corners. There are two leather straps which help secure each end. One of the ends of the case has a white panel with the following stenciled on to it “695 L” – meaning unknown. Centrally placed behind the leather carry handle is a brass lock with key – fully functioning. Internally it is lined with red baize there being a small amount of moth damage mainly to the lid. The case measures 30.1/2″ in length. 8.1/4″ wide and 3.1/8″ in height. The gun brakes down into its component parts and is securely stored in various compartments. Within the lid the case carries the trade label for John Rigby at 43 Sackville Street. London W,1.
There are two barrels with this fine side-lock action. The first a shotgun barrel in 28 bore. The barrel is two stage, the breech is octagonal and the barrel round, in total 28″ long. A single brass fore-sight button sits half an inch back from the muzzle. The diamond pattern checker walnut fore-end is shared by both barrels and is capped in horn. The makers details are on top of the barrel: ” JOHN RIGBY & Co. 45 SACKVILLE ST’ LONDON .W.” The blue on the high points of the octagonal breech are slightly wearing and it is also wearing a little thin in the area of the address, otherwise fine. The barrels are both fitted with a cartridge lifter. The bore is very clean but lightly pitted. On the underside of the barrel are numerous proof marks, including those stating the barrel is “Nitro Proved” and has been made with a 3/4 fixed choke. When assembled the shotgun is 44.1/4″ in length and the pull is 14″ exactly. The action is fitted with a traditional game safety catch where the safety is re-set every-time the weapon is opened. The safety is on the rear tang and shows “SAFE” until pushed forwards when it is then ready to use
The alternative barrel is the .300 “Rook” barrel. This rifle barrel is 27″ in overall length with a wave pattern engraved on the top flat, designed to reduce glare. The muzzle is marked as follows; “PARKER RIFLED A.G.P.” The front sight is a simple interchangeable blade which is 5/8″ long and rounded like a bead in section. A plain panel on the top rib carries the same address as the rest of the components. On the top LHS radius of the barrel, between the sights is a simple hand engraved description of the caliber; “ ‘300 CARTRIDGE” When assembled the rifle is 43.1/4″ long. Just behind the address on top of the barrel are the express sights with two flaps set at 100 and 150 yards and one fixed open “V”-type sight dovetailed into the top rib.
Behind the open sights are the two mounting blocks for the claw mounted scope. They are blued and set approximately 5.1/2″ apart. The front mount is round and has the locking lever , the rear is set for the “claw” and is rectangular. The scope is fitted with “see-through” posts so the open sights can be used if necessary when the scope is fitted. The telescopic sight is not maker marked but is very similar to the type used by the military in World War One. It is know that these sights were sold into the trade after the war when sniper units were disbanded. The scope itself has a nominal 1″ tube, the eyepiece is larger at 1.1/2″ and painted in a gloss black, over brass. The reticule is a thin cross hair with no gaps ( it is not straight but has a gentle “wave” to it.) The optics are good but a little misty. There is no evidence of any of the lenses being chipped. The blueing on the outside of the tube has almost worn away and has left a plumb brown patina. On top of the tube is a single, lockable turret for range adjustment (elevation) and the brass dial is graduated as a guide at 50, 100 and 150 yards. The blued center of the dial has been engraved with the following; “John Rigby Co / London. W.” The base of the turret has a number “14997” marked on the side. Most army scopes were numbered to the rifle or visa-versa. The serial number of this gun “3795” is inscribed onto the claw mount ring on the top radius. Next to the number but inscribed into the tube itself once again is; “JOHN RIGBY & CO / 43 SACKVILLE St.LONDON” Once mounted upon the rifle it makes an impressive sight and absolutely smacks of the best of the English Gun Trade.
The fore-end which is shared by both barrels has a horn tip which is flush fitted to the diamond checkered walnut body. It has fine scroll engraving to the metal parts. A hint of how this fine English gun looked when it left its maker, can be found on the iron which runs up the inside of the fore-end; in the vivid colours of the oil quenched, case colour hardening.
The action is very much in the English style, with a single side-lock. The side-lock panel is finely engraved with foliage and scroll engraving. The makers name is engraved into both sides of the action. All the screw heads are nitra-blued with engraving. The remains of the colour which once adorned these parts can be seen in the recesses around the top break lever. Once again case-colour hardening was used but it has mostly been worn to a metallic gunmetal silver. The top lever, trigger guard and lower tang are all blued. The later retaining a very strong degree of blue and polished finish. This tang displays the guns serial number. The gun is fitted with a single trigger.
The butt-stock is once again a select grade walnut with wild grain developing a pleasing rich pattern. The butt stock has a semi-pistol grip with a round at the base. Diamond pattern checkering and a teardrop behind the lock panel on both sides. The shoulder face of the stock is also checkered. The gun is cast to the right. Plain silver escutcheon under the stock.
Within the case there are the following in various compartments. An Ebony turn-screw. A bright shiny square oil bottle with the makers name on the cap. Two separate cleaning pouches with quality pull through in each. A three piece brass threaded cleaning rod with rose-wood turned handle with makers name on ferel.
This is a comprehensive and high quality shooting set by a well thought of English Gun maker from a period when money didn’t matter and if you were a man of means you had a gun of this type to match. A rare opportunity to obtain a fine example of English gun making at its best which is as correct as one could ever hope to find.
Top English Gun making Quality
£ SOLD
Comments Off on John Rigby & Co’ 300 Rook / 28 bore – Cased Set………SOLD