Ivory Front Sight

08 June 2014, 08:04

MHC_TX

Ivory Front Sight

Does anyone know the purpose of an all ivory front sight. The sight was ordered with the rifle (in 1906) and specified on the build sheet. The extra ivory sight and a "normal" front sight were stored in the grip cap. I was wondering if the ivory sight could be for hunting in low light conditions from a blind....just a guess.

Here are some pictures:

08 June 2014, 08:24

Nakihunter

What is the rifle? Does it have any engraving suggesting it has Indian origins.

Traditionally shooting at night from a machan using a torch was quite common in India.

I read a very interesting article in the Double Gun Journal about a Purdy DR with a tiny little light in the sights!

08 June 2014, 10:08

cal pappas

I can't answer the question but I've seen all ivory front sights in the past on vintage doubles.
Cal

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Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
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08 June 2014, 23:44

MacD37

quote:
Originally posted by cal pappas:
I can't answer the question but I've seen all ivory front sights in the past on vintage doubles.
Cal

Cal, I think those all ivory sights were probably made in the field by old ivory hunters, to replace a broken steel sight, broken in the field hundreds of miles from a gun smith! I think you will find them only on vintage big bore doubles, and single shots like those used by the old elephant hunters!

Also as someone said maybe a replacement for a rifle to be used at night from a machan over bait for tigers in India, or cats in Africa.

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....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

09 June 2014, 00:09

Peter

I am sure that ivory front sights are very good for picking up on a dark target like an elephant or buff. However I did send my K Gun back to Kreighoff to be fitted with a fluorescent front sight and find it to be very fast.
Peter.

Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;

09 June 2014, 01:07

MHC_TX

The rifle is a Holland & Holland Royal in .450 No.2 Nitro Express. According to H&H the ivory sight was ordered with the rifle on August 10, 1906. The rifle was ordered by Fusils Guinard Armuriers in Paris.

09 June 2014, 06:40

Rockdoc

Congratulations on a fine rifle. I lusted after that one from the pics and description. Very unusual. It is within 50 serial no. of mine!

Would love to see some more photos and how it shoots.

Was 80gn Cordite 480gn bullet the standard load or is that the tropical load? The 500/450's of that era seem to be all 70gn Cordite 480gn tropical load.

Cheers, Chris

Best wishes, Chris

09 June 2014, 08:18

N E 450 No2

In the 450 No2, the standard load is 80 gr. of cordite, the Tropical load is 75 gr., both with 480 gr bullets.

09 June 2014, 08:33

HBH

I don't know either, but that sight is flipping COOL!

09 June 2014, 08:37

Rockdoc

Thanks 450 No2.

I find it interesting that at that time the H&H 500/450 3 1/4" Nitro and 500 3 1/4" nitro doubles were loaded to tropical loads but this rifle is the full nitro load.

Cheers, Chris

10 June 2014, 19:09

MacD37

quote:
Originally posted by Rockdoc:
Thanks 450 No2.

I find it interesting that at that time the H&H 500/450 3 1/4" Nitro and 500 3 1/4" nitro doubles were loaded to tropical loads but this rifle is the full nitro load.

Cheers, Chris

The reason was the powder used in those days to regulate the rifle in England at around 70 degrees F when fired in Africa in heat that was sometimes 120 degrees F made the temperature sensitive powder create too much chamber pressure, so the loads for that climate were loaded down and called “TROPICAL” loads.

Even though the powders of today are far less sensitive to heat, far less so than the old cordite and flake powders used in the earlier times, and so work very well today in most climates.
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