Anyone here fondle this rifle yet? Anyone consider it but pass? If so, I'd be curious to know why as I am basically a double rifle illiterate. Yes, it seems pricey but the combo of the oval bore with original case and goodies is quite nice...heck even the PG and longer bbls make it pretty sexy I think. How far out of line is the price here assuming it's in good mechanical shape? Seems this rifle has been for sale for a while.

Charles Lancaster Double Rifle # 12195 circa 1906 Anson and Deely boxlock Treble lock action with side clips and automatic ejectors. 450 No.2 Nitro Express caliber with 3 1/2 inch case. According to John Taylor this caliber is considered a large African caliber equaling the 500 with FT/LBS well above 5000. He recounts a water buffalo hunt where he killed 9 buffalo with 7 shots. The 28 inch barrels have a wide full filed rib with a blade front sight and cover and a three leaf rear sight ( 1 fixed and 2 folding ) marked 100, 200 and 300 yds. The barrels are inscribed CHARLES LANCASTER 11 PANTON ST HAYMARKET LONDON and NON-FOULING SMOOTH OVAL BORE RIFLING. Regulation was done with 480 grain bullet and 80 grain Cordite powder. The semi-pistol grip stock measures 14 7/8 x 1 5/8 x 2 3/8 to its original red Wilson pad. The gun weighs 12 lbs. Cased in its original Lancaster oak and leather case with some accessories and new Westley Richards ammo. The over all condition shows normal Safari hunting wear and tear with 85% blue, trace of case color and wood marking. The service condition is excellent with perfect bores and internal mechanics. According to David Perkins, Owner of maker's archives, this gun was made for Lord Howard de Walden, well known for his extended hunts world-wide and especially in Africa and India. A solid gun with great provenance. $ 18,000