^Lot 2249 JOHN RIGBY "THE BIJOU" IMPROVED NEEDLEFIRE ROOK

RIFLE WITH CASE AND AMMO. Cal. 40 Rigby. S# 646. Based on John Rigby and W.N. Norman patent of 1860 this "improved" model uses a special brass cartridge replacing the original combustible paper cartridge. The 24" tapered octagon barrel with matted top flat holding one standing, two nested leaf rear and silver bead front sights is engraved "John Rigby & Co Dublin" in unmatted portion of flat at rear. Bottom flat under forend wood is stamped with Birmingham black powder proofs for 84 bore and S#. Distinctive boxlock action with rapid taper screw "bolt" with pivoting handle securely locks breech by intruding into deep recess in rear of barrel. Long needle type firing pin pivots in hammer nose. Action is engraved with 50% coverage very nicely cut and shaded scroll. "J. Rigby & Co" is in banner on left side. Straight grip buttstock made of nicely marbled European walnut measures 14-1/2" over steel buttplate with 1" top spur. Side panels have nicely formed drop points. Point pattern checkering is at grip and a small silver oval is on toeline. Behind oval is what is probably an Irish or Kenya registration number "13498". Matching small splinter forend with schnabled horn tip attaches to barrel with captive sidebolt through shaped and engraved steel escutcheons. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: rifle is housed in new tan leather case with leather corners; lined in green felt. A reproduction Rigby label is in lid. Case contains: 11 custom made loaded brass cartridges, some fired bullets and a chamber cast. CONDITION: good. Barrel is mostly smooth brown patina over some light pitting. Action is brown but shows traces of original case hardening color where protected. Stocks have most of an old finish, probably original, with many marks and dings. Bore is fair to good with strong multi-groove rifling; pitted throughout. Mechanically good. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (01-28625/MGM). ANTIQUE. $1,750-2,500.