For many years I collected and researched the Rook rifle. I have some remaining examples, one of which is by H.& H. Details of which are as follows;
H.& H. serial #6067, circa 1880. The gun action is;Side-Lock, Outside Hammer,ejector,The action is marked marked;"J. Thomas patent #3091 0f 1871".This superb gun/rifle has been converted to.410, with nitro, reproof for 2 1/2 chambers.The origional hexagon steel barrel has been taper turned for 18 inches from the muzzle blending with the origional hexagon with three spherical radii; reminicent of barrels seen on some early single barrel fowling pieces.The superb stock is pistol grip with steel heel plate and grip cap. The action has 40% scroll cover and retains traces of case colours.
This rifle is one of four types made by H&H it is described in detail in Colin Greenwood,s excellent book,"Rook and Rabbit Rifles," pages 89-93. This scarce rifle was available with optional extra.410 barrel.In 1900 it was awarded Grand Prix at the Paris exhibition.
I paid $600 for this gun in the U.K. in 1970.
As a matter of interest, many of the rook rifles in this era, sold by the, "high-end" London gunmakers were made by the Birmingham firm of Samuel B.Allport. Having no Heir, Samuel Blakemore Allport, shut down the business and accepted the position of "Proof Master' at the Birmingham Proof house.At which time he was noted for conducting tests on the strength/cost of various grades of damascus and steel gun barrels and for developing a crusher type pressure test barrel.
Last edited by Roy Hebbes; 11/20/09 08:27 PM.
