Guns International #: 103277123

Category - Rifles - African Dangerous Game Safari Double - Double Rifles - English

Category
Rifles - African Dangerous Game Safari Double
Double Rifles - English

English/British Proofed-Unknown Manufacturer 500 Black Powder Express (BPE) Double Rifle (1855-1887) w/castings LIKE NEW Poss Unfired

Description:
500 Black Powder Express (BPE) Double Rifle -
A side-by-side double rifle chambered in .500 Black Powder Express (BPE). Externally resembles large-bore double shotguns but is rifled. Built for black powder cartridges (not nitro-proofed).

Serial number: 7655.

Configuration:

• Side-by-side, exposed hammer, double rifle.
• Caliber: .500 BPE (rifled bores).
• Barrel length: 27 inches
• Overall configuration: Side-lever, double triggers.

Proof Marks:

• Crown over "GP" = London Proof House, "Gunmakers Proof". Indicates black powder proof.
• Crown over "V" = London View mark.
• London proof house identifier: Intertwined "GP" underneath a Lion.
• "39" marking likely refers to bore size (.500 caliber expressed in gauge-style measurement).

Stock: Straight English-style stock with cheekpiece, forend separable; hard plastic like buttplate (not rubber, likely a later replacement).
Action:

• Side-by-side hammer gun.
• External hammers, rebounding style.
• Double triggers.
• Modern-style firing pins confirm it was built for centerfire metallic cartridges, not muzzleloading.

Condition:

• Rifling visible, sharp, and clean.
• Case appears to be a replacement to the original.
• Proofs remain legible and sharp.
• Stock in good shape, checkering present, later buttplate replacement noted.

Summary:
This rifle is a British-built .500 Black Powder Express double rifle, serial number 7655, proved at the London Proof House for black powder cartridges. It is not nitro-proofed, meaning it should only be fired with appropriate black powder express loads. The rifle’s markings, bore rifling, and centerfire pin system confirm it is a BPE, not a shotgun.

This piece is in very good condition, and as a ~150 year old piece would be great to have in any collection.

Most likely manufacture: mid-late 19th century (1855–1887).

• -Crown over GP
  • This is the London Definitive Proof mark for black powder proof.
  • In use from pre-1813 through 1904 (with variations in style).
  • The presence of this mark confirms the gun passed definitive black powder proof in London.
• Lion Rampant over GP (the “Lion proof”)
  • This is the London View mark (inspection before final proof).
  • Used from 1813 onward, discontinued post-1904 when the Proof Acts changed.
• Gauge/Bore Markings (e.g., “39”)
  • This is the bore size in gauge numbers (39-bore here).
  • London began using gauge stamps in this form in the 1855 Proof Act onward.
  • Introduced in 1855, continued until 1887 on rifles/shotguns.
• No “NITRO PROOF” or “NP” marks
  • Nitro proofing began in 1896 in London.
  •  It is not nitro-proofed, meaning it should only be fired with appropriate black powder express loads
     

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .500 Black Powder Express

Price: $10,500.00
Shipping: $60.00
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