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**OLDEST GUNMAKER**MINT BORE**QUALITY** C1840’s W&J Rigby Dublin Ireland .450 Calibre Percussion Overcoat Pistol With C1843 ‘EC-392’ Cork East Riding Irish Registration Mark, Octagonal Barrel & Captive Steel Ram Rod. Sn 22676 - 22676 John Rigby & Company (or John Rigby & Co. (Gunmakers) Ltd) is the oldest gunmaking firm in continuous operation in the English-speaking world. Rigby has a distinguished history of technological advancement for both sporting and military application. Rigby rifles, guns and pistols have played prominent roles throughout the British Empire and particularly in Asia and Africa. The company was established by the first John Rigby in Dublin, Ireland in 1775. After the founding John Rigby's death, in 1818, his sons William and John Jason Rigby operated the business as W. & J. Rigby from circa 1820 to 1865, a period that spanned flintlock, percussion, pinfire and needle fire ignition and marked the start of the modern metallic cartridge era. Rigby was a leader in barrel-making and rifling technology and, at the time, it was also recognised for its high grade dueling pistols. This is a quality W&J Rigby Dublin percussion overcoat pistol, made circa 1840’s. It is a sturdy pistol, 8” overall length with a 3 ½” octagonal barrel. The smooth bore is near mint clean and bright. The top flat of the barrel is signed ‘Dublin’ and has the Irish registration mark ‘EC-392’ for Cork East Riding (these Irish County identification marks were introduced by the short lived Arms Act of 1843). The original stock is made from Walnut and has an inlaid void German Silver disc on top of the wrist. The pistol has blued steel furniture decorated with foliate engraving. The pistol grip has fine chequered panels and it has German silver stock mounts. The pistol has its original captive steel ram rod. The action plate is engraved 'W&J Rigby' and its cocking and firing actions are crisp. The price for this quality Irish piece includes UK delivery. NB. As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 22676 (drawers office)
£895.00
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