The reason for all the excitement was not so much the Bacon’s patent bolt action (although something of a curiosity itself) but rather the name of John Rigby etched to the gun.
Something of a legend among sporting gun collectors, Rigby established a reputation during the late 19th and early 20th century as perhaps the most exclusive maker of bespoke guns in London. Examples of his work from the period command high prices, and this example sold to a collector at £650.
£650 gains entrance to exclusive gun club
UK: BOXLOCK shotguns are the most common of British fowling firearms and those with bolt-actions are certainly not unusual, but this particular model, left, aroused great interest at Weller and Dufty’s (15 per cent premium) arms and armour auction in Birmingham on March 14.
