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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Mauser Discussion Forum
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JohnK
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Reged: 02/12/06
Posts: 59
Loc: Australia
Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle.
      #138546 - 06/07/09 06:26 PM

One and all,

I am hoping someone may be able to shed some light on the manufacture date and perhaps some other relevant information on this Rigby rifle. A friend (whom has no interest in firearms as such) has contacted Rigby but to no avail so I am hoping someone on this site may be able to assist. The rifle has significant historical and family value to him. Perhaps the serial number "91687" may indicate date of manufacture?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

The story of the rifle as told to me.

The rifle belonged to Pete Pearson, an elephant hunter and game ranger who, it was said, killed over 1000 elephants during his time in Kenya, the Congo and Uganda in the first quarter of the 20th century. In 1928, Pearson accompanied the Prince of Wales, later to be known as King Edward V111, the king who abdicated the throne, on a royal safari. On the last day of the safari, a rogue bull elephant charged the Royal Party and Pearson placed himself between the Prince and the elephant, shooting with lethal effect. Sir William Gowers, Governor of Uganda, wrote later: " It was an exhibition of presence of mind, quickness and courage which I am glad to have been privileged to witness, and which none of those who saw it will ever forget." The Prince gave Pearson a royal tie pin and cufflinks as mementoes of the occasion. Pearson died the following year following complications after an appendicitis operation.He was 55.
These keepsakes and the rifle used to 'avert a Royal tragedy' have been kept in the family ever since. The family would like to know the date of manufacture and other relevant information about this prized weapon.







--------------------
JohnK

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JabaliHunter
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Reged: 16/05/07
Posts: 1958
Loc: England
Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: JohnK]
      #138547 - 06/07/09 06:45 PM

I have heard (but can't verify) that Rigby in California are particularly bad about giving out information on older rifles. However, Paul Roberts at J.Roberts and son in London (former owner of Rigby and now owner of Jeffery) has copies of all the old records and may be able to help. I am guessing from the Mauser S/N you give that it is 1924-25 vintage. Somewhere there should also be a (4-digit) Rigby S/N which may help narrow it down. Others on here who have more Mauser knowledge may be able to give a better indication. Hope that helps.
I forgot to say - a wonderful rifle and heirloom!

Edited by JabaliHunter (06/07/09 06:47 PM)

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500Nitro
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Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: JabaliHunter]
      #138549 - 06/07/09 07:02 PM



You an date the gun from the Rigby serial number without a problem.

Not sure which number you put up - is it the Mauser number ?

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JohnK
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Reged: 02/12/06
Posts: 59
Loc: Australia
Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: 500Nitro]
      #138550 - 06/07/09 07:16 PM

Quote:



You an date the gun from the Rigby serial number without a problem.

Not sure which number you put up - is it the Mauser number ?



I have attached another photo of 4 digit serial number located on trigger guard. I assume this is the "Rigby" No. 5217. I believe that the number posted first is the Mauser number.





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JohnK

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dons
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Reged: 18/08/07
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Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: JohnK]
      #138554 - 06/07/09 09:42 PM

The Mauser serial No. 91687 reflects a manufacturing date of 1924. The Rigby serial No. 5217 indicates that it was assembled and sold by Rigby around 1926. The barrel should carry a 43 Sackville St. London address.

Edited by Dons (06/07/09 09:43 PM)

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JohnK
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Reged: 02/12/06
Posts: 59
Loc: Australia
Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: dons]
      #138579 - 07/07/09 07:49 AM

Thanks folks,

Very useful information. I shall make further inquiries.

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JohnK

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pjaln
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Reged: 08/06/06
Posts: 711
Loc: massachusetts ,U.S.A.
Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: JohnK]
      #138595 - 07/07/09 01:09 PM

you need to get to paul roberts of jeffery rifles in england he has copies of the ledgers from rigbys he will have the info ....paul

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pjaln
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Reged: 08/06/06
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Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: pjaln]
      #138598 - 07/07/09 01:24 PM

here is the email address i recently recieved from paul roberts about info on a rigby

"roberts gunmakers" <shop@jroberts-gunmakers.co.uk

from what i heard the original ledgers of rigbys are in texas not in cali.either way they wont give out any info ,paul roberts will help he is a good guy i met him at rigbys about 14 years ago , just wish he never sold out the name .....paul

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JohnK
.275 member


Reged: 02/12/06
Posts: 59
Loc: Australia
Re: Rigby. 350 Rigby Mag. Info sought/Historic rifle. [Re: pjaln]
      #138654 - 08/07/09 05:23 PM

Quote:

here is the email address i recently recieved from paul roberts about info on a rigby

"roberts gunmakers" <shop@jroberts-gunmakers.co.uk

from what i heard the original ledgers of rigbys are in texas not in cali.either way they wont give out any info ,paul roberts will help he is a good guy i met him at rigbys about 14 years ago , just wish he never sold out the name .....paul



A big thanks to those who assisted. Received a very quick response from Paul Roberts who was able to supply the following information.

We have some photo copies of the records from this rifles period and fortunately serial number: 5217 is one of them. The rifle was finished on Jan 10th 1927, in .350 magnum calibre and was sold to ‘Lawn & Alder’ who were a safari outfitters and Rigby’s agents in Nairobi. They would have ordered it for client or bought it for stock.

Once again thank you very much.

--------------------
JohnK

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