Gentlemen

The plot thickens.

I now have this wonderful and very unusual Model 1900 sporting rifle to hand.

I will say that it has many very unusual features.
Lets start with the proof marks.

It is confirmed that this rifle was supplied by Gibbs as per the " B" number around 1900. There is no English proof marks, on the contrary those in the pictures are Belgium.
Noted the classic Perron mark nitro proof and Im going to say that the " X " with a as a star is by proof controller Alfred Reignier, who was a controller from 1937-64??
Gratful for any opinions from those with any thoughts on this deepening mystery. Was this rifle a genuine prototype to the Model 1903 that went to Gibbs as a complete sporting rifle, then supplied to the English retailer, then went to Begium before the war???.
Before coming into my pocession it was transported from the UK to Australia in the 1980s Why no English proof marks?
The rifle is in slendid condition, no indication of proofs having been removed. I believe this example may be unique.
I will post some tantalising differences before I go to Africa next week, and then a new thread for a full and detailed view, should anyone be interested

see proofs below

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