There's been some confusion about the intent of my inquiry regarding London vs. California Rigbys. I do not question the fine quality of currently produced Rigbys, I just happen to prefer pre-war styling, finish and furnishings that seem to be missing in today's Rigbys.
It was also my thinking that the vintage London heritage might mean more to some, particularly if one must justify the current premium prices, significantly higher than other high-end rifles.

Thanks for the enlightenment on Rigby rifles. I did some checking around and found something interesting.

At: http://www.drake.net/html/vintage12.html they have what looks to be the same Rigby for sale for $9500, but the first one I posted has an opening bid of $5000. I'm guessing that somebody purchased it from drake and found out it wasn't quite what they were expecting, but drake still has it up on their site.
Don't know what's going on, but it's a bit strange...

I don't know much about CA Rigbys, but it's paying for a name that's detached from the original history. Just not the same. Quality may be better though, but without the character in my opinion.

Its a reserve auction. I doubt $5000 meets the reserve and its probably the same people.

"but it's paying for a name that's detached from the original history. Just not the same"

My sentiments too, if one is expected to pay a signficant premium. Just like fine art.

They seems to be charging quite a premium for what amounts to a Merkel double rifle, too. Is there a corresponding improvement in fit & finish? $24,000 will buy a really well executed Merkel.

.

Tiggertate,

They put between 250 to 300 hours of work on one of their double rifles, so I would say that there is a little improvement in fit and finish.
Is it worth the extra $$? For me it is a moot point since I can't afford either, but personnally like the looks of the Rigby's better than any of the other brands.
If I had the money I would get a Rigby 500 NE sidelock with engraving by Lisa Tomlin. One of theses days

I HAVE 2 RIGBYS A 7X57 ALL ORIGINAL BUILT IN 1906 ,AND A 303.BUILT ON A OBERNDORF SLANT BOX, BOTH GUNS ARE GOOD LOOKING AND GO UP LIKE SHOTGUNS 14 5/8 L.O.P. ON BOTH.
I MYSELF WOULD NOT BUY A NEW RIGBY ,I DONT LIKE THE STYLE ,THEY LOOK TOO AMERICANIZED AND THAT COULD BE SAID ABOUT MANY OF THE NEW GUNS BEING PRODUCED BY SOME OF THESE OLDER FIRMS BE IT WESTLEY RICHARDS ,PURDEY,CHURCHILL.WILLIAM EVANS,MOST RIGBYS OF PRE WW1 ERA DONT HAVE ,,GRIP CAPS, FOREND TIPS,TRAP BUTTS,

I ALSO WOULD HAVE FAINTED ON THE SPOT IF MY NEW 416.[PRIOR TO THE FIRM BEING LOCATED TO THE U.S. AND ENGLISH OWNED BY PAUL ROBERTS ]SHOWED UP AT MY DOORSTEP WITH A REWORKED BRNO. ACTION I KMNOW THESE ACTIONS WORK, BUT THE BOTTOM METAL, BOLT HANDLE SHAPE AND GENERAL LOOK IS UGLY AND RIGBY WOULD SEND IT WITH THE BOTTOM METAL THAT CAME WITH IT NOT HAVING AT ALL THE LOOK OF AN PRE WAR STYLE SO IN THAT SENSE I THINK IF I HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN ONE BUILT JUST PRIOR TO THE FIRM BEING MOVED TO U.S. I THINK THE NEW ONE ALEAST STARTS OF WITH A BETTER ACTION [ONE OF THE NEW MAUSER MAG.ACTIONS ]AND IF I WHERE TO HAVE ONE BUILT BY THEM I WOULD BE REAL SPECIFIC AS TO THE STYLING AND I,M SURE YOU WILL HAVE THE SAME QUALITY IN THE LONG RUN IF I HAD TO HAVE A GUNSMITH COPY ANY ONE OF MY BOLT ACTION RIFLES MY RIGBYS WOULD BE THE EASIEST TO DO PROBABLY HALF THE AMOUNT IT WOPULD TAKE TO DO ONE OF MY J.P.SAUERS [WHICH IS PICTURED IN[ ACCURATE RIFLE ] MAGAZINE THIS MONTH.

PAUL

Andre,

For some reason I can't see the pictures you posted, but if that 577 with the celtic scroll is the same one that I saw at SCI, it is by far my favorite engraving on any double rifle. Not sure, but the pricetag was around $120,000. I would have snapped it up at $115,000, but 120 grand, forget it!

Holland & Holland only crafts about 100 guns a year it must be the same. Hope that you can se the picture now !

I handled the gun i NY and the price tag was $140,000

The balance was perfect and their was no mistakes made just perfect all the way.

If I was Bill Gates That gun would have left the store with me.



Cheers,



Andr�

I took this pic in Vegas. Same one?

Yes it is the same one.

If you are from the cold north like me or Irish, Scottish, Wallis then that is the scroll to have.

Cheers,

Andr�

Just on my first cup of coffee and thought you wrote that youwant a gun engaved with Liliy Tomlin. What a rush.



I thought that the current Rigby doubles were in fact Merkel barreled actions?

Tiggertate,

Have another cup And yes, they are made on the Merkel action.

ALF,
What is the forend length on that FN .404J? Nice rifle
Jeff P