John Rigby & Co. 12 Bore "Rising Bite" Sidelock Ejector with Highly Figured 30” Damascus Barrels

Description:
   ***   JUST IN FROM THE UK   ***   Restored by Toby Barclay of Heritage Guns   ***   John Rigby, grandson to the company’s founder of the same name, opened a shop in London in 1866 and proceeded to become a world famous gunmaker. It is not often appreciated that Rigby’s reputation was built to a large extent on superb single and double rifles, competing in rifle matches being a very great enthusiasm of the principles. However, their shotguns were not an afterthought and when the new .303 rifles superseded the larger calibers, the production of fine shotguns became more important to the firm.

The gun we have here, number 15477, is a fine example of this change in emphasis to shotgun production, featuring their famous ‘Rising Bite’ patent and very individually shaped lock plates. It would appear that this gun was made out of sequence, perhaps to pair with No.1, as although the number dates it to 1880-85, the ejector mechanism was only patented in 1887. Interestingly, Rigby went with a rather different ‘interceptor’ safety mechanism from the rest of the London trade, using a rotating blocking piece, located behind the standing breech that is actuated by the cocking lever and lifted by the safety slide. Our sensitive restoration of this gun, its excellent stock dimensions and fine nitro proofed Damascus barrels make it a very useable, handsome and collectable gun for any connoisseur of London gunmaking. Presented in an oak and leather case with original red baize lining and fitted with a reproduction Maker’s trade label and some accessories.

The action is of traditional sidelock design and features: Double triggers, bolted by a top tang, safety slide; 7 pin bar action sidelocks; ‘Interceptor’ block in head of action; Finely chiseled, fluted, acanthas leaf fences; Snap underlever, operating a 'Purdey Bolt', setting the ‘Interceptor’ block and cocking the locks; Top rib extension with Rigby & Bissell ‘Rising Bite’;
Perkes ejector box; ‘Rigby’s Patent’ lever forend catch. Engraving style Best bold foliate. Gold inlayed SAFE. Forend catch engraved ‘RIGBY’S PATENT’. Locks & top rib signed in Gothic script ‘Jno Rigby & Co’. Barrels and action flats stamped with the double R Rigby trade mark. Barrels, action flats & forend tip engraved ‘2’. Gun weight 6lb 12oz.   
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 4 lbs Rear trigger 4 lb.

The original Damascus barrels are 30” in length, chambered for 2 ½ " (65mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs. The internal bore surfaces are free of pitting or marks. Top rib is of smooth, concave game type. London reproof for 2 ½” nitro powder cartridges 1925-1954. The right barrel is bored 0.730 with a constriction of 0.000 for Cylinder choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.035. The left barrel is also bored 0.730 and has a constriction of 0.015 for Light Modified choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.032.

The vintage replacement Straight-hand Grip Stock and more recent replacement Splinter Forend are crafted from highly figured walnut. The stock is finished with a 1” leather covered recoil pad, features a vacant white metal oval, well defined drop points and is cast-off for a right-handed shot. The gun balances almost exactly on the knuckle.

The approx. 20 lines per inch chequering has been refreshed to its original design. The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers. This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre, only many hours of alternate build and flatting of the surface. Stock dimensions are 14-3/4” by1-1/2” by 2-1/2”. Slightly cast off for the righthand shot.    ***   US AGENT FOR HERITAGE GUNS UK   ***

  ***   Please note that the photographs are part of the description. Not for sale where prohibited by state or local laws. Buyer is responsible for all shipping, insurance, and any other related charges. I give a 3-day non-firing inspection period which begins when it arrives at the buyer’s FFL or specified address if the gun is classified as an Antique. Returns at buyer’s expense.   ***


 

Antique: Yes

Price: $12,495.00