Single Shot Falling Block Sporting Rifle by Hughes, SOLD

An Interesting Martini-Action Single Shot Hunting Rifle by Robert Hughes

An interesting and elegant historical piece, from an era where advantage was gained by knock-down power.  The knock-down power in this instance is supplied by the .577/450 black powder cartridge.  This calibre was also extensively used in the conquest of the Empire in the form of the famous Martini-Henry Single shot military rifle.  (Depicted in the original film “Zulu.”)

No doubt the calibre was settled on with choice of game in mind – something fairly large!  I am not a Hunter per-say but, imagine standing in front of a charging water buffalo with one shot as your only way out.  Don’t miss!

Robert Hughes was active in Birmingham from 1855 onwards in Moland Street and the business was also known as the Universal Firearms Company in its time.

The rifle on offer is chambered in the famous black powder .577/450 cartridge, with a falling block Martini action.  The lever, hung behind the trigger guard is pushed downwards.  In dropping the breech block the previous cartridge is ejected and the action cocked. This also moves the cocking indicator to the rear.  This is situated on the LHS of the action and is the lower of the two visible catches.  The other is a safety which although mobile, is ineffective. The loaded cartridge is then slipped into the breech, down the grove in the top of the block and the block elevated once again to close the breech.  The rifle is now ready and loaded.  Serrated trigger within trigger guard beneath.

Wide boarder engraved action with makers name “Hughes” within central banner. The rifle is 42″ long in overall length. The round barrel is 26. 3/4″ long.  The upper surface has a flat rib which runs its full length with a wide anti-glare engraved “wavy” pattern.  Dovetailed front bead sight.  Flip up rear sights with both ladder and 3 flip-up leaf sights.  Graduations are hand engraved.  A plain panel on the rib is occupied by the makers details; “ROBERT HUGHES & SONS. BIRMINGHAM.”   The top LHS exposed portion of the barrel is detailed; “AMMUNITION 577/450”  The opposite portion of the barrel has an indistinct Birmingham proof and the barrel dimension of “.460”  Trigger “pull” is 14.5/8″ to centre.

Stocked in a select figured English Walnut pistol grip stock with hand checkering.  There is a single steel period sling mount on the underside of the stock.  Also a single sling mounting point on the underside of the barrel.  Sporting horn capped for end – also hand checkered.  The stock has a high gloss finish and most of the metal work has a refinish all over with soft pitting the under the finish.  Steel curved butt plate with circular trap.  Bore has strong Henry style rifling – although dark – needs cleaning ( highly functional) Reasonable trigger pull.

£ 650. (Sold)

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