Lot Description
*George Gibbs Farquharson's Patent Small Frame Match Rifle with Side Cocking, Detachable Action and Tang Sight Published in Walter Winfer's "British Single Shot Rifles"

.36 Cal. 28.625" barrel length. SN: 10409. Action Number 363. Blued metal finish with case colored frame mounting walnut semi pistol grip stock with fine bordered multipoint checkering to wrist and forend, and horn pistol grip cap and buttplate. Single shot falling block Farquharson action rifle featuring an octagonal barrel mounting windage adjustable fully hooded front blade, two position middle notch, and folding Vernier sight to tang. Maker mark to left frame reads GEORGE GIBBS/BRISTOL with the right struck FARQUHARSON'S/PATENT/363. Barrel address reads METFORD'S PATENT, 1115. GEORGE GIBBS, 29, CORN STREET, BRISTOL. A matching number 1115 is struck into the underside of the barrel. Sights are the original Metford Match pattern with a matching action number of 363, and a hooded adjustable front sight with No. 11 pin. Rifle features an unsigned silver oval plate to the toe, and fine second quality Birmingham style English scrollwork adorning the frame. Scroll embellishments include wheat chaff borders to the lever and trigger guard, spiral scroll surrounding floral bouquets on the frame flanks, and a cornucopia with apples to the right. Rifle features a cocking lever to the right side that displays matching engraving and fine checkering. All screw heads are engraved with sunbursts. Breechblock, left frame and barrel are struck with Birmingham firing proof markings. Octagonal barrels typically appear on Gibbs Rook rifles, suggesting the caliber may be .360 Rook, but the caliber is not marked on the barrel. Its small size suggests this rifle may have been originally built for a woman or a boy. This very rifle appears in Wal Winfer's "British Single Shot Rifles, the Gibbs Farquharson: Volume II", though the barrel number is listed as the serial number, rather than the number engraved into the rear triggerplate, though the action numbers and configuration are a complete match. The photos were provided to Winfer by the late John T. Amber, suggesting this rifle may have once been part of his world renowned collection. {MODERN}