Does anyone know if the Sydney retailers Cowles and Dunn sourced their rifles from a particular maker ?
I`m `looking after` a .450/.400 Nitro Express double rifle that has `Cowles & Dunn. 407 George St. Sydney. By Appt to HE Governor. engraved on the rib. The rifle bears Birmingham nitro proof marks and the legend `.450-.400 EXPRESS` on the lumps. Also `3" ` `?0 GRS CORDITE` ( first figure poorly stamped - possibly `6`.) There is no makers name, barrel makers initials or a serial number. The rifle is an Anson and Deeley type boxlock with a full rib and dolls head extension. The front sight is a bead on a low ramp ( two holes throgh the ramp from side to side with scrapes in the blueing suggesting that there is something missing - a hood ? ) It has a fixed rear sight and two `flip-up` leaf sights marked 100yds, 200 yds, 300yds. Barrels are 26 1/2 inches. The stock has a full pistol grip with an engraved horn cap ( a sun with rays on three levels ) and a horn butt plate. The action is engraved in semi-relief with medium scrolls, waterway beaded fences and a rolled trigger guard. It is top lever opening ( un-assisted ) with double triggers and an automatic slide safety ( the word `SAFE` inlet in gold. There are no side bolsters or clips. The rifle was originally the first gun of a pair ( surely not a trio ? ! ) as it bears a gold `1` inlet to the rib and another on the top lever. The action is very similar to a black powder .450 Express rifle by Alex. Henry that was offered for sale at the last ( Dec.9th.2004 ) Holts auction. ( Lot 529, illustrated on p.122 of the catalogue.)
Date is c.1900.
The rifle is in good to fine condition showing little wear, has clean bores and sharp rifling. There are traces of colour hardening on the action.
Any help with identifying the maker of this this rifle would be greatly appreciated as it comes with no relevent history whatsoever.