The maker's have kindly confirmed that this "Best Double Rifle" was purchased on 17 March 1876 by a Count Olferief with 2"2' (26 inch) barrels and a Patent sight. With blacked barrels each engraved with a band of foliage at the breech end. Matted rib signed "JOHN RIGBY & CO. DUBLIN & LONDON" and fitted with bead front sight and adjustable tangent rear sight graduated to "300" yards and with platinum inlaid center line and checkered thumb catch stamped "RIGBY'S PATENT NO. 48". Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and gold washed strikers, the underside of the action inlaid in low relief with the crowned monogram "BO" in gold. Casehardened back-action side locks each signed "JNO. RIGBY & CO." and with blued safety bolt. Well figured 14 7/16 inch pistol grip stock with two-piece checkered grip and checkered forearm with lever release engraved "RIGBY'S PATENT". Iron mounts comprising trigger guard and checkered butt plate. Dark horn pistol grip cap and a small gold escutcheon inset on the underside of the butt engraved with the same crowned monogram as the action. Rear iron sling stud engraved with a rosette and blued forward iron sling mount beneath the barrels. Border and scroll engraved throughout. Weight: 8 lbs. 14 oz., London black powder proof marks. In a maker's two tier brass cornered oak and leather case, the lift out tray for the rifle and accessories, the lower tier for ammunition. The lid has a John Rigby & Co. trade label and contains numerous accessories including several loading components marked "450", an H.F. Greenfield's "IMPROVED" steel bullet mold, a brass Rigby & Bartram patent capper/de-capper, and turned hardwood striker pot containing a spare front sight and a pair of gold washed strikers respectively marked "R" and "L", the lower tier with a quantity of fired Eley No.1 Express cartridge cases. A copy of the maker's Authentication Certificate accompanies this lot.

Very fine. Barrels professionally reblacked, engraving clear. Action and locks each retaining traces of original casehardened finish, some original bluing remaining on safety bolts, some discoloration throughout. The engraving remains clear throughout. The trigger guard and butt plate are discolored, engraving remains clear and the checkering on the butt plate remains well defined. Stock refinished with age related light marking, bruising and with a small old chip to the toe of the butt. Minor age related marking to the grip cap. Mechanically excellent. The case with numerous age related scuffs, stains and marks to the exterior, one corner with patched repair to the lid, another corner with small split, replacement straps and carrying handle.