ITEM # 102
A/N 93, B/N 708, .461 Gibbs caliber, 36" round Metford rifled barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a fabulous rifle. Top of barrel is marked "METFORD'S PATENT, 708. GEORGE GIBBS 29, CORN ST, BRISTOL". Left side of action is engraved "GEORGE GIBBS / BRISTOL". The barrel of this rifle retains 80% strong original blue finish with some areas of light pitting on underside of barrel just ahead of forend. The action of this rifle retains 97% strong original color casehardened finish. The checkered pistol grip buttstock and horn tipped forend are of beautifully figured English walnut and rate excellent with a 95% of their original finish remaining and just a few very light handling marks. The forend is wedge fastened and checkering remains strong and crisp with just a couple very small and minor bruises. The smooth steel shotgun buttplate retains about 75% original color casehardened finish with the top portion bearing a pleasing smooth brown patina. The rifle is equipped with its original cased Metford rifle sights which include 10 front sight inserts and its original vernier tang peep sight which is engraved at the bottom of staff "George Gibbs / Bristol". The rifle comes in its original brass bound wooden case with original George Gibbs makers label inside lid which remains about 80% intact. The case has numerous compartments for accessories and is nearly identical to the case shown on page 50 of "British Single Shot Rifles" Volume 2 by Wal Winer. The condition of the case is very good however the base panel shows considerable erosion in two or three areas. A nearly identical rifle is also illustrated in the same publication on page 53, it is nearly consecutively numbered to this rifle being A/N 91, B/N 709. A wonderful British match rifle by this esteemed firm. (1915-1) {ANTIQUE} [Ray Day Collection] (20,000/30,000) SOLD FOR $25875.00 |
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