| DORLEAC |
| (.333 member) |
| 16/03/17 02:16 AM |
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Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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This RIGBY SN:5546 was built on an Original Mauser Magnum action SN:52541 produced in Oberndorf in 1912.
Its history is perfectly clear.
The rifle was delivered to M. Henri CHAMAULTE on September 11, 1939.
Henri CHAMAULTE, former Senator of Cameroon, born on November 6, 1897 in Évreux, France and deceased on December 31, 1957 in Dizangué, Cameroon, was also president of the Union of Planters of Rubber, vice-president of Employers and Artisanal Trade Union of Cameroon, and Director of the Energy Company.
At the end of 1950, the rifle was sold to Jean-François TOBY, Colonial Administrator of Côte d'Ivoire.
Born on 29 January 1900 in Saint-Pierre, Brittany and deceased in Finistère on 28 June 1964, he was appointed Governor of Côte d'Ivoire in 1943. He was then Governor of Niger until 1954 before being appointed ÉFO (French establishments in Oceania) Governor from September 1954 to March 1958.
The last use of this rifle dates back to early 1963, when it was used to shoot a last elephant.
The RIGBY was then entrusted to GASTINNE-RENETTE in Paris for a final revision before its storage. The Parisian gunsmith changed the extractor blade that had become too loose by adapting a BREVEX extractor. Perfectly executed, this unique alteration to the originality of the weapon does not hinder its absolutely perfect functioning.
This RIGBY was then safely stored in its original case for more than fifty years before we could purchase it.
If the canvas case has suffered a little during the multiple transports, the rifle is in a remarkable state of conservation.
The 25" barrel bore is perfect, shiny, without any trace of rust, with perfectly defined grooves.
The whole rifle retains the original rust blue even if on some portions the blue has vanished and turn to brown.
The wood, with its normal traces of handling, is without even a minute crack, and retains its original Silver's pad, slightly cracked on the surface, but still supple.
Lastly, the grip cap contains in its trap the ivory bead front sight numbered to the rifle and protected in a square of oiled cotton fabric closed by red sealing wax.
Obviously the rifle action functioning (feeding, extraction & ejection) is remarkably smooth and reliable.
Here is the description as it appears in the Rigby ledger:
According to Rigby ledgers, just 189 ".416 Bore for Big Game" rifles were made between 1911 and 1940.
No.5546
Mauser Number 52541
Mauser Sporting Big Game
Delivered 11 September 1939 to H. Chamaulte
Weight 10lbs 2oz
Bore .416
25" barrel - 635mm
15" stock
Ivory bead front sight
Rear sight Standard & 2 leaves 100/200 & 300 yds. No2 V
Anti recoil pad
Grip cap with trap
Regards to all.
DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 16/03/17 02:30 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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AhA, stalk just about anything with that rifle. Loverly.
What a treasure.
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 16/03/17 02:44 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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What a great example!
Interesting that a 1912 action would lay in stock (or perhaps the whole rifle) before finally being sold to a customer in 1939.
Also, I cannot see any proof marks on the gun, not even the view mark which is normally found on the receiver ring, is this because it was delivered to a customer outside of the U.K.?
If it does have British proofs, are they pre or post 1925? Did the rifle proofs change in 1925 like the shotgun proofs did - I am unsure.
I can only imagine finding a rifle like this today and with all the hype around Rigby right now, no better time to come across one!
| mckinney |
| (.400 member) |
| 16/03/17 02:48 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Stunning example. This is as good as it gets.
| DORLEAC |
| (.333 member) |
| 16/03/17 03:31 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
What a great example!
Interesting that a 1912 action would lay in stock (or perhaps the whole rifle) before finally being sold to a customer in 1939.
Also, I cannot see any proof marks on the gun, not even the view mark which is normally found on the receiver ring, is this because it was delivered to a customer outside of the U.K.?
If it does have British proofs, are they pre or post 1925? Did the rifle proofs change in 1925 like the shotgun proofs did - I am unsure.
I can only imagine finding a rifle like this today and with all the hype around Rigby right now, no better time to come across one!
Huvius,
As on the majority of the RIGBY, .350 and .416 of the period, the proof marks are under the barrel.
Don't forget that the barreled action came assembled in the white directly from Mauser in Oberndorf.
You will notice the "Not English Made" stamp underneath the barrel as well as the Mauser serial number (here 52541) that appears on all the parts.
Sorry for the bad pictures shot too hastily.
DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com
| gryphon |
| (.450 member) |
| 16/03/17 05:28 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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And the price was? Enormous?
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 16/03/17 05:31 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Ahh, I see.
| 93x64mm |
| (.416 member) |
| 16/03/17 07:12 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
Stunning example. This is as good as it gets.
I don't think anyone could have put it better!
What a treasure to have & pass on.
| dons |
| (.333 member) |
| 16/03/17 07:12 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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What a magnificent rifle.
| lonewulf |
| (.300 member) |
| 16/03/17 09:57 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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The Rigby people really understood elegance. There is nothing on that rifle that any sane individual would alter or attempt to 'improve'.
| gryphon |
| (.450 member) |
| 16/03/17 10:07 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
The Rigby people really understood elegance. There is nothing on that rifle that any sane individual would alter or attempt to 'improve'.
That be different then as every other firearm seems to get picked over.
Now is the original trigger improvable?
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 16/03/17 10:27 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
Now is the original trigger improvable?
Not really on an unscoped dangerous game rifle. Oberndorf sporter triggers are generally unassailable IMO particularly on a rifle such as this.
| gryphon |
| (.450 member) |
| 16/03/17 10:56 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Stoning? Surely a modern trigger would be better installed...SHAME ON YOU GRIFF!
| MMBA |
| (.275 member) |
| 16/03/17 12:31 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Well said 9.3x64. Treasure.
Once again Thankyou DORLEAC.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 16/03/17 02:01 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Joel- I did not know that rust blue might turn back to brown - or brownish - must have been due to the UV rays? That's my guess, as the underside of the barrel is still blue.
| mckinney |
| (.400 member) |
| 16/03/17 03:00 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Still enjoying the photos.
It's interesting that these pre-war Rigbys don't usually have highly figured wood and that, if they did, it would detract from the look. These rifles have an elegance that is hard to define. The lines? yes, but it's something more than that.
I don't think the look can be duplicated today. It reminds me of efforts to reverse engineer a Stradivari violin or a great wine.
By the way, regarding Henri Chamaulte, if I'm not mistaken George Caswell had a beautiful Holland sidelock in 475 no. 2 that once belonged to him. If I remember correctly it was number 2 of a pair. Messr Chamaulte must have been quite a gun lover. The Holland was also in pristine condition.
| Claydog |
| (.375 member) |
| 16/03/17 04:32 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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I much prefer the plainer type woods the older rifles usually had. Only my preference but i don't go for the highly figured stocks at all. I can appreciate them as a nice piece of timber, but a true classic gets it beauty from the lines as stated.
| DORLEAC |
| (.333 member) |
| 16/03/17 06:16 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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The rifle is fitted with the own version of RIGBY single stage trigger that's nothing other than the traditional Oberndorf trigger kept back by a transverse pin in the trigger-guard opening.
Indeed they also slightly modified the shape by straightening the curve.
The let off breaks like glass and the weight is perfect for a dangerous rifle.
The alteration of the original rust blue color is due to exposure to air and moisture that continues the process, gradually transforming the color.
Wood-protected areas are usually greased and suffer less.
DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com
| FlatTop45 |
| (.300 member) |
| 16/03/17 06:55 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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What a stunning example of a true "working rifle". No bells and whistles, just clean lines and flawless workmanship.
She could have been a "Safe Queen" but she's obviously too good for that. I don't consider the marks she has picked up over the years as abuse. She has obviously earned each and every one!
Simply Gorgeous!
J
| eagle27 |
| (.400 member) |
| 16/03/17 07:20 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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I note the Rigby has a short extractor whereas the one shown in the advertising flyer has a full length extractor with the tail back into the charger hump area just as the extractors on the Oberndorf Magnum Mausers sporters do. Would the extractor have been replaced with a standard length one at some stage or did some of the magnum actions have short extractors?
| Ahmed577 |
| (.333 member) |
| 16/03/17 08:07 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Magnificent rifle. Have rigby 416 s-n 5117 very similar condition ( engraved with tiger ) . Use to shoot buff and pig in Australia. To hunt with a rifle like these is a wonderful experience. If there is a member in Western Australia who knows how to post photos contact me and we can add to Dorleacs sharing.
NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 16/03/17 09:09 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
According to Rigby ledgers, just 189 ".416 Bore for Big Game" rifles were made between 1911 and 1940.
Very nice vintage rifle.
Amazing only 189 .416 rifles were sold in all those years. One reason was the Rigby rifles were sold at a considerable price premium and often beyond the wallet of the ordinary hunter of the time.
Interesting to compare that statistic with the new Rigby, where I think more than that number of .416's were sold in the first 12 months (certainly in the first 2 years) alone since the release of the new Big Game model .416 Rigby. Definitely in demand and much appreciated by users in the market for good big bore modern bolt actions.
To me a big plus in the shooting world, selling modern steel and walnut bolt actions rifles, plus in Mauser 98 actions, versus the plastic stainless steel sometimes abominations, most non custom rifles are today. (OK I know some people like them, and they have some merit in some climates
) Just as a comparison, it would be really nice to know what an excellent example of a vintage .416 Rigby like this is worth today?
Thanks for posting the photos and commentary Joel.
| paradox_ |
| (.375 member) |
| 16/03/17 10:06 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Dorleac....simply stunning, and a real treasure. Thank you for sharing such a unique find with us.
Best
Eric
| Rule303 |
| (.416 member) |
| 16/03/17 11:40 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
I much prefer the plainer type woods the older rifles usually had. Only my preference but i don't go for the highly figured stocks at all. I can appreciate them as a nice piece of timber, but a true classic gets it beauty from the lines as stated.
Exactly.
FlatTop I agree.
| HistoricBore |
| (.300 member) |
| 17/03/17 03:35 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Vraiment impeccable - un trouveau magnifique!
Le date de septembre 1939 est tres interessante....
Canon Historique
| HeymSR20 |
| (.300 member) |
| 17/03/17 11:32 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Thats beautiful. Interesting to see the rear square bridge on a rifle that early.
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 18/03/17 01:38 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
Thats beautiful. Interesting to see the rear square bridge on a rifle that early.
It actually isn't at all.
All magnum length Mauser actions had a square rear bridge from the beginning, take a look at the original stepped ring 350s.
| Rell |
| (.375 member) |
| 18/03/17 05:53 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Beyond stunning. That is what a rifle is suppose to look like. Sort of like a 1957 Corvette. They made them all worse from that moment when perfection was achieved.
I wish I could hunt effectively with open sights. It's the only detraction.
Congratulations, a piece of history.
| Homer |
| (.416 member) |
| 18/03/17 08:06 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!
Homer
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 18/03/17 09:38 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Eagle27 mentioned the short standard length extractor. I have seen them on other long actions but it is unclear just how the extractor stays put on the starboard side of the bolt while the bolt rotates as normal.
How the heck can a std extractor work on a magnum bolt?!
| 4seventy |
| (Sponsor) |
| 18/03/17 10:19 AM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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I don't know for sure, but I guess when the action is closed the front of the extractor is located in position by the receiver. As the action is opened and the bolt rotates, the front of the extractor is still held in position by the receiver.
Then as the bolt is withdrawn the front of the extractor doesn't clear the receiver until the rear end of the extractor has entered the bridge raceway.
Anyway I'm sure Joel or some of our other Mauser guys can tell us how it works.
A beautiful rifle by the way.
| eagle27 |
| (.400 member) |
| 18/03/17 12:42 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
I don't know for sure, but I guess when the action is closed the front of the extractor is located in position by the receiver. As the action is opened and the bolt rotates, the front of the extractor is still held in position by the receiver.
Then as the bolt is withdrawn the front of the extractor doesn't clear the receiver until the rear end of the extractor has entered the bridge raceway.
Anyway I'm sure Joel or some of our other Mauser guys can tell us how it works.
A beautiful rifle by the way.
Yes as Huvius observes I have asked a question (another one) re the extractor but over on AR Forums where a thread was started on the same rifle. It seems impossible from the photo that the bolt can rotate as the tail on the short extractor has been notched for the bolt guide which rotates to the top as the bolt handle is lifted to unlock the bolt. As you observe the extractor on a Mauser does not rotate with the bolt. Normally the extractor tail sits behind the rear of the guide rib allowing it to rotate under the extractor as the bolt is opened. The arrangement on the bolt in the photos looks very unusual and impossible to see how it would work. I can't imagine that the notched tail of the extractor springs over the guide rib? I have an original Oberndorf sporter Mauser so can see exactly how they work.
| metal |
| (.275 member) |
| 18/03/17 03:01 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Normally they notch the guide rib so the extractor tail can rotate, have a look at a Brevex. I've seen one with the rear of the guide rib removed, about .5" or so.
From the photos of this Rigby it's hard to see whats going on.
| 4seventy |
| (Sponsor) |
| 18/03/17 03:34 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Oh ok, I see what you guys are talking about now.
Yes, you would think that there would have to be a 'notch' cut out of the guide rib for it to work.
Perhaps it's just not visible in the photos.
It sure will be interesting to learn the answer.
| DORLEAC |
| (.333 member) |
| 18/03/17 05:37 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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About the extractor blade, read the rifle initial description: "The RIGBY was then entrusted to GASTINNE-RENETTE in Paris for a final revision before its storage. The Parisian gunsmith changed the extractor blade that had become too loose by adapting a BREVEX extractor. Perfectly executed, this unique alteration to the originality of the weapon does not hinder its absolutely perfect functioning."
Like on the BREVEX the rib has been carefully notched and the extraction and the controlled feeding are flawless.
Have a look at => http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat....true#Post144859
DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com
| eagle27 |
| (.400 member) |
| 18/03/17 07:53 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
About the extractor blade, read the rifle initial description: "The RIGBY was then entrusted to GASTINNE-RENETTE in Paris for a final revision before its storage. The Parisian gunsmith changed the extractor blade that had become too loose by adapting a BREVEX extractor. Perfectly executed, this unique alteration to the originality of the weapon does not hinder its absolutely perfect functioning."
Like on the BREVEX the rib has been carefully notched and the extraction and the controlled feeding are flawless.
Have a look at => http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat....true#Post144859
DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com
Ahaa, didn't read all that bit, was too busy looking at the rifle. I take it the long extractors are hard to come by? I think I read somewhere that someone had joined a couple of standard ones together to get a longer one, or maybe they were just inquiring to see if it would work. Could a loose extractor not be reset?
| 4seventy |
| (Sponsor) |
| 18/03/17 09:29 PM |
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Re: Rigby ".416 Bore for Big Game": last interesting acquisition
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Quote:
Like on the BREVEX the rib has been carefully notched and the extraction and the controlled feeding are flawless.
Have a look at => http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat....true#Post144859
DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com
Thankyou for that information Joel.
What a beautiful example of an original Rigby.
Thanks again for the great photos and description.