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Wm. Evans Double Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Wm. Evans Double Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
William Evans Double Rifle, #8903, .360 Express cal. (.400/360), 26'' blue barrels with 3-leaf Express sights, fine gold bead front sight, with additional large brass flip-up sight (0.15 dia.), top of barrel marked ''William Evans (from Purdey's), 63 Pall Mall. St. James, London''; barrels are additionally marked ''400/360, 2-3/4 Solid Metal Case/40 grs. Cordite Powder, 300 grs. Soft Nose Nickel Bullet'', all by hand; lightly banknote engraved case hardened receiver marked ''William Evans'' to both sides, with ''Safe'' on upper tang in gold; standard type safety lever features an additional side-swing safety lever; checkered walnut stock and splinter forend, in original canvas and leather case with Evans trade label and cleaning instructions. This double rifle was originally ordered July 11, 1907 for then-Colonel (later Major General) H.G. Ruggles-Brise (1864-1927), who was Brigadier General commanding the British 20th Infantry Brigade at the Battle of Ypres where he was wounded and later served as military secretary at General Headquarters (France) to Field Marshal Alexander Haig, who was then commanding the 73rd Division. Brise was mentioned five times in dispatches during the South African War, as well as WWI. Condition is excellent. Barrels retain approx. 94% lightly thinning blue; case colors to frame show approx. 85% lightly thinning and partially silvering tones. Rear portion of triggerguard, which terminates at butt cap, has toned somewhat. Stock with minor scuffs from field use and light flattening to checking, slightly more pronounced on forend. Original red rubber butt pad with minor losses near heel. Action is tight, bores are fine to near excellent. Length of pull: 14-1/2''; drop at comb: 1-1/2''; drop at heel: 3-1/2''. Canvas-covered oak case has borne the brunt of the wear with moderate to heavy external oil staining to both interior and exterior. External straps are present but need repair, as does handle. An exceptional Edwardian double. Est.: $15,000-$18,000. (C&R)