I am trying to get some information on Bob Foster, a Professional Hunter who served with Safariland shortly after WWII, and later in 1954 as a partner with White Hunters (Africa) Ltd.

My interest? A colleague has told me that I may have a rifle that Foster once owned - a nicely aged 1947 Griffin & Howe .275 Rigby on a commercial Mauser action. I'm a little skeptical but would like to find out for sure. Unfortunately, Griffin & Howe's records are missing for rifles built that year, so they can't help me in determining its provenance.



• Would anyone happen to know Foster's full name, including middle initial?
• Was his first name Robert?
• Did he in fact own a .275 Rigby (7x57) built by Griffin & Howe?

There's not too much information on Foster in the reference books I have. Any information would be helpful!

Kim, cannot be of assistance regarding Bob Foster but I can ogle your .275 Rigby. I need to get a nice vintage .275 Rigby like that. Good luck tracking down some information on Mr. Foster.

with the bit of information I have on hand: Robert W. ("Bob") Foster was a Scottish Ivory Hunter & Professional Hunter with the firms: Safariland LTD; White Hunters Africa; and Tanganyika Tours & Safaris. He (and his clients) reportedly shot 69 (another account 100) Hundred pound tuskers during his long career!! He died in Voi, Kenya in 1969. hope this helps. If I find anything pertaining to his rifle I will post.

quote:

Originally posted by TANZ-PH:
with the bit of information I have on hand: Robert W. ("Bob") Foster was a Scottish Ivory Hunter & Professional Hunter with the firms: Safariland LTD; White Hunters Africa; and Tanganyika Tours & Safaris. He (and his clients) reportedly shot 69 (another account 100) Hundred pound tuskers during his long career!! He died in Voi, Kenya in 1969. hope this helps. If I find anything pertaining to his rifle I will post.

That's a treasure trove compared to what I have on hand. Sounds like ol' Bob was a hell of a PH. Many thanks for that, TANZ.

And thanks, Mike, for the kind remarks. While plain bordering on unexceptional, I nevertheless love the perfect and delicate lines of this rifle, the remarkable balance, the patina born of decades on safari, and its utilitarian and well-proven caliber; this rifle will surely provide many years of pride and service in my future African hunting.