I think Vette447's comments are well stated.

While Cal. Rigby cannot be compared to the Rigby of old, their product certainly cannot be classified as worthless. The .500NE he displayed elsewhere on the forums does exhibit a build quality above the Merkels, Heyms, Krieghoffs, Chapuis, etc. As he says, it doesn't rise to the level of a London best, nor does it demand the price of one.

I suspect the reaction, which borders on repulsion, is a result of seeing that great London name "misused" in this manner. The current product clearly is not "Rigby", but it parades around as such. A pretender, one might say. In the same vein, look at what has been done with the Abercrombie & Fitch mark.

But still, one must accept it for what it is: a factory made double with some hand fitting and finish, and wearing the name of a former great maker. There is value there; and as said, capitalism will set the market price.

I would rather own his Cal. Rigby .500NE than my plain Merkel. I'm just not sure how much more I would want to pay for it.

There's my $0.02 worth. Aside from the discussion I want to welcome Vette447 to the forums. We need a few good double gun fans! Finally I wish I could fly to London and get in on Peter's fleecing. You guys give a separate report of the auction, please.

Best,
Curl