The maker's records list this fine combination gun as a “Best vertical rifle and shot double gun” with “Platina” sight and 29 inch barrels (the current length including the breech plugs). It was sold cased in 1841 to Lord Cassillis for £44. 2 shillings and by serial number is apparently the second over and gun completed by Rigby. With etched damascus octagonal rifle barrel mounted above a round smoothbore barrel, the upper barrel with bead front sight, rear sight of one standing notch sight and three folding leaves graduated to “200” yards and each with platinum inlaid center line, signed “Wm. & Jn. Rigby Dublin” towards the breech and mounted on each side with a brass mounted ramrod. Casehardened patent breeches each with removable pierced platinum lined plugs, the upper part of the breech assembly with two inlaid platinum lines and engraved with a spray of scrollwork. Casehardened back action locks each signed “Wm. & Jn. Rigby” and engraved with tight scrollwork, borders of stylized running foliage and respectively with a panel scene of a stag on the right lock and a hind on the left lock. Furniture comprising blued trigger guard, hinged patch box cover and buttplate, all engraved with further fine scrollwork. The bow of the trigger guard engraved with pastoral scene involving a hound flushing two pheasants and the patch box lid with two rutting stags. Well-figured walnut butt with checkered grip. Please see D.H.L. Back, “Great Irish Gunmakers. Messrs Rigby. 1760-1869”, p. 93.

Fine. The barrels with age discoloration and the acid etched damascus pattern is softened, signature is clear but also softened. The breeches retain original faded casehardened finish, the locks faded traces of original casehardened finish. The engraving to the locks remains crisp and clear. The trigger guard and patch box cover retain 60% original blued finish, engraving is crisp. The buttplate retains traces of original blued finish, engraving to tang softened. The stock has numerous age related storage and handling bruises and marks, checkering is well-defined. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.