John Wilkes, modell Best Hammerless Double Rifle, kal. .450/400 Nitro Express, number. 5386
TEXT ON THE BARRELS "HOLLAND & HOLLAND, 450/400 LONDON W.1, 1 LOWER JAMES STREET, GOLDEN SQUARE, LONDON",
ENGRAVED, TIGER, LEOPARD, ELEPHANT, LION

MADE 1907

What do you think a rifle like this would be worth ? The stock is original, but the gold coating or whatever it is are not.

Need more information. Chamber and bore condition, tightness, evidence of any buggered screws, stock condition and all stock measurements. Having it checked out by a qualified gunsmith would help with any further questions. Checkering needs to be recut and stock cleaned. But, if in very good shape (bores, chambers, on-face) probably $17,000 to $20,000. Just my thoughts.

Dutch

Ok thanks, I have dont handled it myself - will see this weekend.

Is that a Webley screw grip with reinforcing ?

Is it an Ejector ?

A.Dahlgren
Can you let us know if it is after you have seen it ?

Also, why does it have H&H on the barrel ?
Has it been rebarelled at some point ?

Interesting it has a quarter rib for a 1907 gun ? We generally say that full length ribs went to Qtr ribs a bit later (but of course with the English gun trade no rule is stead fast).

Any thoughts anyone ?

no ejector, some more info below (translated with google translate).reinforced dolls head, steel-colored baskyl with a combination of animal and scroll engraving, on the left side of a magnificent tiger male, an Indian elephant adorns the right side, a full maned lion on the belly, a stealthy leopard possess the trigger guard,, trigger guard and the stock knob some sort of "gold coating", carved shells, double trigger, bolt pistol grip and silvers pad, , two boxes ammunition supplied, simple leather suitcase contained, marks on bluening, marks on the checkering, butt plate dry and hard, otherwise good condition, constructed in 1907 and reportedly the weapon killed a tiger and been on several African safaris

Well, I would still get the questions answered that I posted above.

When buying an English DR, as soon as I see something "different" or possibly not as it should be, then I ask questions, drill down to find the answer otherwise you can end up with someone trying to hide something.

Now, I have no problems with rebarreled guns, re CCH, (or gold plated in this case)
as long as it isn't being used to cover up things - or make a really crap, worn out gun look "pretty" for sale - which in the past caught a few people out.

Hope that helps and good luck. it looks a nice gun from the outside.

.

500N sent you a PM

Anyone else like to comment on the H&H name being on the barrels ?

And the Quarter rib for a 1907 gun ?


I remember 400NE answering a question on this sometime back - Full ribs followed by Quarter ribs with the major change over occurring post WW1.

.

Sounds like H&H may have rebarreled it at one time. You might ask them.

465H&H

Armchair Bwana here - Did H&H not sell DRs built by Webley?

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Armchair Bwana here - Did H&H not sell DRs built by Webley?

They would sell anything and everything, just like any other retailer.

I think H&H were making their own guns by 1907 (as opposed to having them made by Scott's) but that doesn't stop them from selling others.

Like you, I just wonder why it had Wilkes and H&H.

.

Hi Anton,

I had a look at that rifle about 6 months ago.
With the gold plating -it looks like a Pink Caddillac in Harlem NY 1972...

But that could be changed. A gun smith like P O Stenmark or Hans Englund could remove the gold and case harden or reblueing the parts -that is not a big deal.

Else, I would say that it is a nice working double rifle, good bores, nice stock without cracks, something very special but that you dare to bring with you on the next hunt.

My price estimation (buying price) would be ~ 50.000-60 000 Sekr.

The question you should ask your self is:
Is it THIS double rifle that I really want?

LOL

Husky, did you check out the lancaster ?

I have a question. On the under rib under the forearm, is there a 3 or 4 digit number stamped on the rib?

Most important item on a vintage double rifle is the condition of the bores, along with how well does it shoot.

Thanks,

Rusty

quote:

Originally posted by A.Dahlgren:
LOL

Husky, did you check out the lancaster ?

Lancaster, From the same seller, same caliber, but 3 1/4" case?

Yes, i did,
A very nice rifle, but restocked (well done) and 3 holes drilled in the rib. For the same money I would have taken the Lancaster.

But the Wilkes is a 450/400 3" -easier to get ammunition, don't be suprised if Norma takes up the production of that caliber in the African PH range before the end of this year.

The gold plating can be removed. I would say if there is a price difference of 10 000 - 15 000 Sekr and that you want a "working double" to be used -I would go for the Wilkes, but you should try them and see which one fits you best.