The Mother of all Double Rifles
This 4-bore Rodda is now in my gun safe and I know a bit of this amazing rifle. Made in 1885 as a matched and consecutive numbered pair, they were separated 30-40 years ago. Its twin was in Alaska a dozen years ago for sale at and I could not afford it then and had to “settle” for a Hughes 4. The Hughes has sold and I thought I was done with 4-bores. The twin to my rifle was sold to an MD in Texas and he kept it for a short while whereafter it was auctioned and went to Europe where it still resides.
My rifle came up for sale from a private collection that was being sold by William Larkin Moore and I immediately recognized it as the twin of the rifle that got away a dozen years ago. I called to confirm condition and bought it at less than half of the price its twin sold for a decade ago. WLM UPS’d it to me over night and here it is. The specs:
Maker: RB Rodda
Style: Back action exposed non-rebounding hammers, Jones patented under lever
Gauge: 4 bore rifle
Cartridge: 3 3/4”, 14-16 drams of black powder, 1400 grain spherical ball projectile
Serial number: 33xxx
Country of origin : England
Barrel: 24 inches, Damascus pattern
Bore: Fully rifled (11 groove), bright and shiny
Triggers: double
Stock: Capped pistol grip with cheekpiece
Forearm type : splinter with lever release
Rib type: Flat rib, file cut
Sights: Express with 1 standing 2 folding leaves, marked 50-100-150 yards
Receiver finish: casehardened
Engraving: 80% fine English scroll with gold inlay of maker's name and warrant
Other features; Doll's head 3rd fastener, Sling eyes, Silver’s pad, stalking safeties
Condition: Excellent; all original with no refinishing
Weight: 22 pounds and 7ounces
Stock length: 14 1/2" pull
Manufacture year: 1885
In gold lettering on both lock plates: RB Rodda & Co.
In gold lettering on left barrel: RB Rodda & Co, Makers by Appointment to HE the Viceroy,
In gold lettering on right barrel: and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, London & Calcutta
