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Hi Guys - I had been looking at this for a couple of years but always turned it down because of the very poor condition, especially the woodwork, painted black and many pieces missing
But, having bought nothing at an Arms Fair, made a very low offer which, to my surprise (and concern!) got it
I spent a lot of time (and money) getting it a little better

It turned out to be a very interesting rifle

Made by Thomas Turner, who made most of Jeffery's Single Shots, but only made four (five now?) himself

His name and Fisher Street address on the barrel, as well as "Fried Krupp", (under the rear sight) and load data
Almost all late trade Farquharsons were Belgian actions (Original patents long run out) with barrels by Krupp and others, assembled in Birmingham most likely and marketed and modified by many makers

I was most surprised to see .450/400 3 1/4" Nitro, charge 60 grains cordite, 400 grain bullet on the barrel also
With weight at 8 lbs 4 oz, recoil is probably "stout"!

Barrel length 25"

John Taylor considered this the best all round African cartridge until the introduction of the H&H .375 magnum in 1913?
There were problems with the Nitro loading in the balloon head cases of the time split and stuck cases which led Jeffery to introduce the .450/400 3" Nitro in 1898, with the thick rim so it would not chamber in older BP rifles

The date is arguable, I thought 1899/1900 but maybe later with makers other than Jeffery

I believe this was posted by Ash on an Australian auction, the dealer brought several rifles from that area

Thin fore end typical Turner, as made for Jeffery

Early safety, Number 2 style action

a lot of work went into getting the damage around here fixed. The rear tang sight holes/screws were standard

I left the grotty recoil pad as part of its history, it overlapped when I got it

Thomas Turner Fisher Street Birmingham

Charge 60 grains Cordite 400 grain bullet and Fried Krupp barrel, bought in

Rear sight bodged up, anyone got anything better 1 1/4" dovetail

Lyman rear sight as fitted, does anyone know where I can get one (not on their site) hole spacings 1 3/8"

Comments and opinions please

TH44

Edited by TH44 (03/09/16 06:49 AM)

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