RARE Massive British South Africa 4 Bore Percussion Elephant Rifle - Original 1800's Safari Hunter Rifled .98 Cal Dangerous Game Gun

Description:
Extremely Rare British South African 4 Bore Percussion Elephant Rifle, .98 Cal, mfg. circa mid-19th century. This is the absolute epitome of a classic Victorian elephant gun and the same type that was used by and famously photographed with legendary African hunter Frederick Courtney Selous. I've sold a few 8, 6, and 4 bore elephant guns over the years of this style which is unique to South Africa but I held onto this example for my collection because it was the best. The character this gun has is absolutely fantastic and it is actually rifled! The overwhelming majority of these early elephant guns were smoothbore so finding a true 4 bore rifle is very rare. In fact this is the only rifled 4 bore I've ever owned. The gun is totally original and untouched top to bottom and shows all the honest wear and charm of a gun that spent years chasing dangerous game in Africa during the golden age of epic safari hunting. The massive Damascus barrel measures 31 7/8" long, 1 ¾" wide across the breech, and 1 5/16" across the muzzle. Inside diameter of the bore measures approximately .980". Both lock and barrel are unmarked but are of British origin. Typically all of the hardware for these guns was made in England and shipped to South Africa to be stocked and assembled there often with a distinctive Dutch style perch belly stock and full length forearm. The metal is heavily worn overall with a smooth dark plum/brown patina. The stock features a checkered wrist with a raised cheekpiece and nickel silver nameplate and is very heavily worn with the most perfect untouched original appearance. The checkering is worn nearly smooth and the wood shows a beautiful rich color highlighted against a thick blackened patina that has formed along the sides of the butt and within protected areas. Much like a fine piece of 18th century furniture this is the kind of grunge and unmolested finish you want to see! Perhaps the most cool and unique feature of this rifle are the tusk shaped wire “kill” marks which decorate the right side of the butt showcasing the number of elephants it has taken. Common ½" crack ahead of the rear lock bolt with minor chipping and shrinkage around the toe of the butt, minor nicks along the edges of the forearm, and a few tight old cracks along the sides of the forearm. Overall the stock is very good and solid. Engraved brass buttplate and triggerguard are heavily worn with a nice dark mustard color as are the original brass ramrod pipes and large nosecap. Period working life brass banded wood rammer. Barrel is secured by two wedges fitted with nickel silver escutcheons. Worn over silver bead front sight only with no provision for a rear sight. The action is firm and crisp and functions perfectly. Intact original nipple. The bore features spiraled four-groove rifling worn at the muzzle and is dark with heavy blackpowder frosting and surface pitting throughout. Rifle weighs 12 lbs 1 oz. If you've been wanting a real deal historical elephant gun from the era of Sir Samuel Baker and Frederick Courtney Selous THIS IS IT! Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any antique arm shipped to New York, New Jersey, or Ohio must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm.

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: 4 Bore
Barrel Length: 31 7/8
Weight: 12 lbs 1 oz
Manufacture Date: Circa mid 1800's

Price: $6,450.00
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