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This rifle was
sold by auction 28 June 2006, Hammer price: GB£3000
Auctioneer:
Thomas Del
Mar Ltd
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Lot 42
A .461 Percussion Match Target Rifle by George Gibbs, 29 Corn Street
Bristol, Birmingham proof marks, no.49, circa 1865-84 with round barrel
rifled with four broad shallow grooves, fitted with bead fore-sight
and a bed for a fully adjustable additional fore-sight, signed in full
towards the breech and inscribed ' Metford's Patent 49' on the short
flat over the breech, case-hardened patent breech engraved with the
letter M for Metford patent and fitted with platinum plug, case-hardened
breech tang with provision for an adjustable folding peep-sight, signed
blued lock stamped 'F.S.' inside, figured walnut half-stock, chequered
fore-end and pistol grip, the latter fitted with a horn cap, plain steel
mounts, horn fore-end cap, vacant escutcheon, with no provision for
a ramrod, and retaining traces of original finish 90.5cm; 35 5/8in barrel.
W.E.Metford was granted his patent on 28th September 1865 for barrel
rifling '.....to vary in pitch, so that the same turning moment is obtained
throughout the length of the barrel. The pitch may also be varied so
as to fulfil any other requirement....'
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