1760

Engraved George Gibbs Farquharson's Patent Dropping Block Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Engraved George Gibbs Farquharson's Patent Dropping Block Rifle
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Engraved George Gibbs Farquharson's Patent Dropping Block Rifle

The rifle has a windage adjustable front sight and a two leaf rear sight (one fixed, one folding). The top barrel flat is marked "METFORD'S PATENT 1115 GEORGE Gibbs 29 CORN STREET, BRISTOL". The receiver is marked "FARQUHARSON'S/PATENT/363" on the right side and "GEORGE GIBBS BRISTOL" in an oval on the left side. The tang peep sight is also numbered "363". The lower tang has the number "10409". The receiver, lever and trigger guard feature an extensive and delicate scroll and floral blossom engraving. The right side of the receiver has the cocking lever. The nicely figured pistol grip stock and forearm feature multi-point checkering. The serrated buttplate, forend tip and grip cap are horn. An oval brass escutcheon is inlaid in the bottom of the stock. The Farquharson is considered the classic English dropping block action and was famous for its strength and elegance. The rugged Farquharson action was popular for large bore hunting rifles such as this example. Bristol gunmaker George Gibbs was the co-owner of the Farquharson patent in 1875 and was the sole maker of Farquharson rifles until the patent expired. It has been estimated that less than 1,000 Gibbs-Farquharson rifles were manufactured. In 1910 the last of these rifles were delivered. There is no cartridge designation and it appears to be chambered for .360 Rook.

Manufucture: Gibbs
Model: Falling Block
BBL: 28 1/2 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Guage: 360 rook
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 10409

Very fine as professionally restored. The barrel retains 97% of the blue finish with a couple areas of light flaking towards the breech and some minor handling marks. The remaining metal surfaces retain 95% plus of the case colors. The wood is excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.