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**MINT BORE**ROBERT McVITTIE **BOB THE SHOT**THE BEST SHOT IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE**Late 19th Century British Webley & Son Birmingham MK 1 Martini Henry Pattern 577 x 450 Obsolete Calibre Rifle Made For R. McVittie Toronto & Sling. - 18071 ROBERT McVITTIE was born 1839 in Langholm, Scotland, and died January 21, 1918 in Langholm, Scotland. Robert was a British army rifle marksman, of international repute. He attended many contests in the UK, Canada and the USA. He was a member of the Bisley Team, and was known as “Bob the shot, the best shot in the British Empire". He came to Canada with his family to repair his health. While in Canada of course McVittie shot and had a number of rifles made for him by Webley. Later, just prior to the start of WW 1 he went back to his birthplace, Langholm, Scotland and because of the hostilities was not able to return to Canada, prior to his death, in his home town. There is a remarkable short story, published in "The Border Magazine", Vol. XXIII, No. 268, April 1918. This illustrated magazine is devoted to "Border Biography, History, Literature and Folklore." The story, "Private McVittie, a Great Border Marksman," is by Robert Hyslop, F.S.A. (Scot), FR Hist. S. In later life, he moved back to the UK (a copy of an original portrait photograph of McVittie in Uniform is illustrated in image 3). This is an excellent MK 1 pattern Martini Henry Rifle made by P.Webley & Son Birmingham for McVittie while he was living in Canada. The action and barrel are numbered ‘B417’ and have inspection marks. The top of its 32 ½” barrel is signed ‘P.Webley & Son Birmingham’ and the action ‘R. McVitie Toronto’ above ‘crossed lances B2 mark’. The barrel’s bore is near mint clean and bright with crisp multi groove rifling. The wood work is all original with just light bumps and bruises to expected with age and use. The stock is inlaid with a void brass shield. The barrel is complete with bayonet lug, block & blade foresight, graduated ladder rear sight, MK1 chequered steel butt plate, MK 1 grooved trigger, sling swivels fitted with period brown leather sling & original steel cleaning rod. The action works as it should with a crisp action. The rifle measures 50” overall length. The price for this rifle worthy of further research includes UK delivery. As an obsolete calibre, antique firearm no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 18071
£2,200.00
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