Very happily surprised at the nice condition this one is in. Very good bores. Slugged at .582. manufactured in circa 1870, incorporates Charles Harvey's 1866 patented retractable strikers (166 use number). The firing pins are linked to brass blocks connected to each hammer and are non-rebounding. It has a beaded blade front sight, flat folding three-leaf rear sight (100, 200, and 300 yard leaves with inlaid sight lines),"WILKINSON & SON. GUN MAKERS TO HER MAJESTY. PALL MALL. LONDON" signed on the rib, two sets of London proofs (28 bore marking, not nitro), "WILKINSON & SON/No. 166/PATENT/1866." on top of the frame, "WILKINSON & SON" signed on each of the locks, sliding half-cock safeties, scroll and border engraving along with floral designs, "WILKINSON'S. PATENT./LEVER FORE END." on the forearm lever, "PATENT" on the rear forearm hardware, sling eyes on the rib and bottom of the buttstock, checkered forearm and straight wrist stock, and 14 1/4 inch length of pull. Why would one leaf not be permanent standing? Also when closing the under lever closes on it's own about 90%.











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That is a great looking gun ,are you going to shoot it?

Of course. I shoot everything I own.

Mike;

The bore condition is astonishing.

Kindest Regards;
Stephen Howell

I thought the same thing Stephen. I was prepared for way worse.

I suppose they thought that a standing leaf might slow you down when dealing with something that wanted to eat you.

Curious that they used brass in the firing pin linkage that has to take a pounding. Could it be gold plated steel?

Was Harvey also the inventor of that Wilkinson lever lock forend catch?

Beautiful rifle in lovely condition.

Truly amazing condition for such an early rifle. Looking forward to hearing how it shoots. Regards, Chris