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Outstanding Engraved John Rigby & Co. (Paso Robles CA.) Marked Third Quality Double Express Rifle in

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 14,000.00 USD
Outstanding Engraved John Rigby & Co. (Paso Robles CA.) Marked Third Quality Double Express Rifle in
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The John Rigby & Co. was established in the early 19th century and has produced a variety of fine custom made shotguns and rifles from bird guns to big game rifle such as this. This rifle is a Third Quality rifle chambered in the powerful .577 Nitro express caliber designed for large game such as a Bengal tiger or an East African bush Elephant. This rifle features a hooded ramped blade front sight express two folding one standing leaf rear sight graduated to 150 yards on a quarter rib. The rear of the rib is marked ".577NE 3 1/4 IN" and ahead of the rear sight is marked "John Rigby & Co. PASO ROBLES CA". The barrel flats are jeweled and are marked with the matching serial number. The barrels, break lever and trigger guard are a blue finish and all other metal surfaces are casehardened. The box lock action, break lever and trigger guard are engraved with floral scroll designs and the bottom of the action is marked "J. Rigby & Co.". There is a sling swivel eye mounted on the under side of the barrels, double triggers, tang mounted automatic safety with gold "SAFE", ejectors and mounted with a multi point checkered walnut beaver tail forearm and pistol grip stock with a lightly engraved metal grip cap with compartment, cheekpiece, solid leather covered recoil pad and sling swivel eye. Complete with an aluminum and plastic Rigby case with blue velvet lining with "EST logo 1735 / John Rigby & Co. / (Gunmakers), Inc." embroidered on the inside of the lid. In the case is a three piece cleaning rod with ebony handle, two "LONDON" marked nickel oilers, a nickel container containing a pull-through barrel cleaner, two firing pins and a blade front sight, a nickel container with screw-on lid, marked "LONDON", bore brush and mop, a box of 20 center fire 577 casings and two RCBS 577 NE die kits.
BBL: 26 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 577
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 381716
Condition: Excellent. The barrels retain 98% plus original blue finish on the barrels with a few minor dings and scratches on the underside. The trigger guard retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the tang. The action retains 95% plus original vivid case colors with some minor oxidation on the sides. There is some light oxidation on the grip cap also. The wood has been freshened with a coat of varnish some time ago and remains very good with some finish loss around the cheekpiece and overall a few minor dings and handling marks, with crisp checkering. The break lever is off center a bit, otherwise the mechanics are fine.