doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com F Beesley .577 Black Powder Double Hammer Rifle

A rather splendid old gent in Holts March auction:

Lot 955

"* F. BEESLEY
A RARE .577 BLACK POWDER EXPRESS ROTARY-UNDERLEVER DOUBLE HAMMER RIFLE, serial no. 1773,
26in. black powder only barrels, partially matted raised rib with open sights and two folding leaf sights, white metal-inlaid sighting lines and marked for 100, 200 and 300 yards, tubes re-engraved 'F. BEESLEY. FROM PURDEY'S. 2. ST. JAMES'S STREET. LONDON.', Jones patent rotary-underlever, carved percussion fences, rebounding back-action locks, one hammer screw replaced, fine border and acanthus scroll engraving, the action bar with central floral details, retaining some colour-hardening and finish (partially renewed), 14 5/8in. figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, engraved steel pistolgrip-cap, sling eyes and including 7/8in. rubber recoil pad (distressed), fore-end with grip-catch release, weight 12lb. 8oz., in its brass-cornered leather case, the lid outer marked 'MITFORD E. JAMES.'
Estimate �8,000-10,000"

The link is here: http://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/asp...0&saletype=

This gun was sold in 1907 though it had probably been hanging around the shop for a few years beforehand. Beesley made only a handful of double rifles and I shall be interested to inspect the proof marks come the viewing days.

Tim

That is a fine looking rifle!

YEOW! I hate wanting guns I can't afford. That is one helluva beautiful double rifle.

I did notice that there is a chip missing from the cheekpiece as well as general dings and wear. It's not cherry but I wouldn't toss it out!

8,000 pounds is almost 12,000 USD and add 20% more = OUCH!!!

This one went for a final price of 12,200 pounds. $18,513 USD.

+ the 22.5% auction house cut.

$22,678 Double ouch!

anyone know what lot #1216 went for? are the realized prices posted yet?

2700 pounds. That's the one AKMike was wanting.

I hope he got it. It is a worthy project.

Nope it found a different caretaker than me.

I had a look at the Beesley rifle on Wednesday. It was not in the best condition. In fact it looked as if an infant had spent a good part of a day bashing a hard object all over the gun as it lay in its case.

Yep, it certainly went for a lot of wodge and will need some expert care to bring it back to concours condition. However it will be worth it as it was the only .577 double the great man made.

Tim

PS It has London proof marks

Mike I think you're better off without it sounds like. That's why it pays to have someone look at them if possible.