Product Details
* A SCARCE .577 SNIDER DOUBLE-BARRELLED ROTARY-UNDERLEVER HAMMER RIFLE BY BOSS & CO., serial no. 2611,
circa 1868, 29 3/4in. bold damascus barrels (loose on action), file cut rib with open sights and three folding leaf sights with white metal sight lines and marked 50, 100, 150 and 200, the breech end with a banner (possibly re-engraved) 'BOSS & CO. 73 ST. JAMES'S STREET LONDON', the right barrel with small plug, some damage and repairs to flats and lumps, Jones patent rotary underlever, carved percussion fences, non-rebounding back action locks with bolted dolphin hammers (hammers with repairs and reprofiled), border and scroll engraving, triggerguard tang forming a skeletal pistolgrip, 14 1/4in. well-figured stock with cheekpiece, sling eyes and chequered steel buttplate, weight 8lb. 8oz.
Provenance: Boss & Co. made just 75 double hammer rifles over a 32 year span between 1858 and 1890.
Sadly there is little in the records with regard to this rifle, but given the calibre it is likely to have been made for a military gentleman (the Snider having been adopted by the British military in 1867 for a short period before being replaced in 1871 by the .577/.450)
We have been informed that this rifle was made for Denison Montagu Inge around 1868. Denison was born in 1837 at Twycross, Leicestershire. He joined the 8th Light Dragoons and no doubt he wanted this rifle for India. He rose to become a colonel and died in 1905.
* Please note this item is subject to 5% VAT on the hammer price (UK Buyers only).
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions. Please note all Lots are listed in accordance with UK Law, for overseas buyers, please ensure you are familiar with your relevant local firearms and customs regulations before bidding.
Estimate £3,000-5,000
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament