John

There are a few, widely scattered, smiths that are competent to check out a Double Rifle. If you live close to one you may be able to run it buy.

The most important thing is the mechanical condition. If it is tight and mechanically sound it would be worth in the mid teens at least. It is very subjective and knowledge is important. As it is on any used equipment.

A local shop has a John Rigby, sidelock double rifle in 470 NE on consignment. The rifle shows a great deal of handling wear with many scratches and dings on the stock and lots of wear on the barrel bluing. The action seems very tight but it's the first double rifle I've ever handled. Serial number is 180xx. My questions are: What's the best way to appraise the value of these rifles? What do you think it would be worth? How can I find out when it was built?

John,
If you want a real apprisial, you'll need to send it to one of the better double houses... you CAN NOT send it to rigby, as that's now an american "name holding" company.

Here's a base line...

the merkel/krieghoff are the lower end and ANY english double should be worth at least their price...

call it 7500

and then the sky is the limit

jeffe

John, what are the barrel lengths? Is it an ejector gun or extractor? How are the bores? Any pitting or rough looking areas in front of the chambers? How much are they asking for the rifle?

I didn't measure them but the barrels appear to be about 26". It has extractors but not ejectors. The bores are perfect. The asking price is $27,900.

Uh-uh! Not for so worn a rifle is that a fair price. Not even for a London Rigby. Let some other sucker have it or offer him half that.

John

What is the finish like? Is a refinish workable or do you need to restock it also? Is it cased? $27k is a whole lot too much in any case. As Oldsarge suggested, offer 1/2 but stay under $18k. JMO

If I were to purchase it I'd probably want the barrels re-blacked and the stock re-cast for me (left-handed shooter). I didn't ask about the case but I kind of doubt they have it. Believe it or not, this fine, rare rifle's been hanging from the ceiling in this shop for over 2 years, suspended by some cast-off wire. Apparently, I'm the first person to look at in a long time. Considering the price, and the shop as a whole I'm not surprised.

I'm not prepared to pay anywhere near what he's asking but I thought by collecting info from the folks that frequent this site I may be able to develop what would be a reasonable offer---I haven't been disapointed; thanks to everyone who's responded so far, and please keep the info coming!