| Marrakai |
| (.416 member) |
| 17/02/07 11:41 AM |
|
Re: R.Rodda ?
|
Jack:
I had intended to let this thread lie, since it had degenerated somewhat, but a couple of points probably need adding. Firstly, R.B.Rodda & Co didn't build these rifles, or any rifles, as has been previously stated. I tossed a couple of quotes from Wal Winfer's fine publications up on another thread, reproduced here:
Quote:
Regarding Wal Winfer's books on British Single-Shot Rifles, I had occasion to look something up in Volume 3 'Jeffery and the Trade Farquharsons', and found a 2-page chapter on the firm of R.B.Rodda (pages 162-163).
I quote:
"A retailer who had offices both in England and India."
"This is another of the companies who were strictly retailers, they did no manufacturing themselves."
Wal adds that the company must have been substantial as their firearms are seen fairly often, and this is certainly the impression we get in Australia.
The weight of a rifle has little bearing on its build quality, although obviously Rodda would have sourced a line of robust 'working doubles' for sale at affordable prices in the colonies. John Wilkes doubles, for example, were also 'heavy for calibre' in most cases (by today's standards), but the quality of that London maker's wares is indisputable.
I have also since recieved a PM from another forum member who owns a Rodda identical in outward appearance to those on the WestleyRichards.com site, pictured in my last post. His is a .400-3" and weighs exactly 9-1/4 lbs.
I submit this additional info in good faith, merely to add to the corporate knowledge, not to prove anything. I hope you find the DR you are looking for, Jack. I further hope you are not automatically excluding anything with Rodda engraved on the side, on the say-so of the 'expert stripper'!
