I just bought a Louis Christophe double rifle built by Jules Bury in .450 BP Express. It is a nicely engraved coin finish scalloped boxlock with double underlug and Greener crossbolt. It has sideclips and an Anson forend release. Barrels are 24.5" long. It came from an estate, and unfortunately, the seller had virtually no information on the history or the regulation load. He said he thought it looked unfired to him, and now that I have received it, I think he may be right. At most, it has only been fired a few times. There is no sign of wear on the hook or pin, and there is hardly any sign of contact from the extractor rubbing against the breech face. There are a few very minor dents in the stock, which I believe is French Walnut with nice figure and fiddleback.
From my own research, I think it was probably built around 1920-1925. It has JB under a crown on the water table indicating it was built by Jules Bury for Louis Christophe, a high end Brussels sporting goods retailer. It is proofed for black powder. I have not yet deciphered the one mark between the provisional proof mark, and the R under crown Rifle proof mark. I don't know if it is a date code or an inspectors I.D. mark that may help me narrow down the date.
Here's a couple views of the engraving and the interesting rib matting. I think it looks like some of Jules Schoffeniels work, but I can't find anyplace where the engraver signed or initialed it.
I'm interested in any thoughts about the age, engraver, etc. I am also interested in the best sources for brass and loading dies, and suggestions for loads to begin the regulation process. It isn't marked as to whether it is intended for lead or jacketed bullets. This one may have been a safe queen, but I plan to use it.
