Charles Lancaster 450#2 Nitro Express Double Rifle - A pristine example

[Mtn_Infantry]

Beautiful rifle and all the hard stuff is already done.

Buy with confidence from @rookhawk

 

[rookhawk]

What a bargain. What would this rifle cost to produce now. By a comparable “Best” brand.
$250k ?

Probably correct, but this rifle would never be made today. Remember, the term "London Best" that developed in the 1920s? That term really became associated with Boss/Purdey/Holland features that included A.) Stocked to the fences, meaning wood was thinned and the top horns went all the way to the balls of the action, B.) Southgate patent ejectors, C.) 7-Pin sidelock.

Because of this gravity towards the definition of "best gun", everyone building a "best gun" over the last 90 years has been cookie-cutter using those styles and features so they could claim they were "best".

In 1905, this was as good of a rifle as money could buy. The only feature it is missing (by choice) would be 100% coverage engraving. It has every upgrade and option that could be done at that time. Nonetheless, because it has unique features, it would be unlikely any gun maker would duplicate this design for any price in the 21st century. For example, even a new Rigby doesn't have half of the top quality features that this rifle possesses.

I have owned about ten Charles Lancaster rifles and guns over the years, this one is superior to the sidelock designs structurally and every part of this gun was built for utter durability: extended tang, side clips, intercepting safety sears, bolted safety, etc. etc.

 

[SStomcat]

Rifle is gorgeous, so are your photography and presentation skills.

May I ask where and when you procure this classic from?

 

[rookhawk]

May I ask where and when you procure this classic from?

I purchased it in the trade from a friend that purchased a large estate. There was an elderly collector from the East Coast that had about 50 high grade double rifles and shotguns he had collected in the 1950s to 1970s. He was a collector, but not a shooter, so all of his rifles were absolutely pristine. (most he didn't even have ammo or dies) He had everything from 577NEs, 500NEs, 7x65r, 333 Jeff Flanged, loads of H&H shotguns, rook rifles, etc, etc.

 

[tarbe]

I have sinned greatly!

Found myself thinking..."the wife would notice $32k missing from the checking account...but she would never miss $32k worth of gold. She doesn't even know where it all is".

Forgive me...I am a bad man!

 

[rookhawk]

I have sinned greatly!

Found myself thinking..."the wife would notice $32k missing from the checking account...but she would never miss $32k worth of gold. She doesn't even know where it all is".

Forgive me...I am a bad man!

I suspect I could convince the CFO of our household to accept Gold as payment.

 

[mitch4570]

What is the second lever for?

 

[rookhawk]

What is the second lever for?

That is the single coolest feature of the whole gun. That is what is known as a "bolted safety". Not only does it have a tang safety, and not only does it have dual intercepting sears in the locks, that "bolted safety" lever allows you to swing it to the center position so that you cannot trip/fall/discharge the rifle because the tang safety is physically blocked. Upon final approach or anytime you feel the need to be "ready" you flick that lever to the left and the tang safety is ready to be used.

In my opinion, this was a far, far better design than the modern German guns where the safety takes tremendous force to operate because it is cocking the gun. The Bolted Safety is the single safest way to prevent accidental discharge, even allowing you to have the gun loaded while in a vehicle under movement.

 

[Dakota300]

Up for sale is without a doubt, the finest double rifle I have ever owned and by far the most immaculate of condition. This 450#2 Nitro Express London gun was made by Charles Lancaster in 1905 for Sir Edward Austin Stewart-Richardson, 15th Baronet. (Captain, 3rd Battalion, the Black Watch, Royal Highlanders) A man that knew the empire well having spent time stationed in both Africa and Australia in his career.

Sir Edward married the famous Lady Constance Mackenzie (daughter of the 2nd Earl of Cromartie) in 1904 and set about his honeymoon to hunt lions in Somaliland. Upon his return home, this rifle was finished and he took delivery in 1905. Sir Edward and Lady Constance spent several years touring America, his wife performing in NYC and elsewhere, and they spent time hunting and travelling with her long-time friend Buffalo Bill Cody.

By the time their travels had concluded, the 1907 ban on 450 caliber rifles took effect amongst the British Empire due to fears of uprisings in India and the Sudan. The theory was that sporting cartridges could be disassembled to provide bullets for the Martini-Henrys that were in the hands of the rebellious colonials.

Sir Edward returned to military service in WW1 where he was mortally wounded on the field in one of the earliest battles, succumbing to his wounds back in England shortly thereafter. Due to these unfortunate events, it appears Sir Edward never had an opportunity to hunt with his rifle.

A detailed account of gun and the owners can be found in this article: https://www.africahunting.com/threa...unpacking-a-1905-450-no-2-double-rifle.94839/

Now on to the rifle. The rifle has a remarkable list of specifications and features. The gun is perfectly balanced and weighs just over 11lbs. It has a generous approximately 14-5/8" Length of Pull. It features 28" barrels that are internally immaculate thanks to the Lancaster patented "oval bore rifling" that keeps them from fouling. The gun has generous bolsters, sideclips, and drop points. The safety includes the incredibly useful "bolted safety" that allows you to obstruct the tang safety from being triggered until on approach. Internally, the gun has dual intercepting safety sears and the rifle has bushed strikers. Oh, and it also has the patented Lancaster automatic-opener system where movement of the top lever instantly lowers the barrels for reloading. Standing and folding sights are regulated for 100 and 200 yards. I almost forgot, it also has an extended top tang running through the top of the stock which is a stunning and rare upgrade. The 450#2 was the largest (3.5" Brass), most powerful, fastest, lowest pressure, and most reliable of the .450 caliber double rifles made. It was the favorite caliber of Lord Percival and Pondoro Taylor amongst a host of other ivory hunters.

The rifle is FLAWLESSLY regulated and test targets from Ken Owen indicate it shoots with perfection at 55 yards using 3031 powder and your choice of softs or solids. There was a small chip to the stock that was stabilized by Ken and may not be visible to the naked eye. Ken stated that he has never seen a 120 year old double rifle this immaculate inside, stating the original stock's serial number imprint had no oil leeching from age, even in the head of the stock. In addition to the wood, he states that the locks and mechanicals are as-new tight and he doesn't believe it was even as much as broken in over the past 120 years. Ken tuned the triggers and gave the gun a thorough once-over also. In addition, the original sight was very, very thin so Ken custom fabricated a far more visible front iron sight before he developed the regulating loads. Ken expressed concerns regarding future powder availabilities so I hired him to also regulate the rifle for an alternative powder, Vihta Vuori 135 in the event that IMR3031 is ever unavailable.

To the accessories: In addition to the proven load data, it includes a set of brand new CH4D custom dies, two die bushings, two custom shell holders, 50 pieces of Bertram Brass, 50 custom loaded rounds of ammunition from Ken (25 solids, 25 softs), as well as an ample supply of additional woodleigh soft and kynoch solid bullets as pictured. NOT PICTURED BUT ALSO INCLUDED is another sealed box of 50 Woodleigh Softs, another 50 kynoch solids, and another sealed box of 50 kynochs that I can't recall if they are softs or solids.

I know people like to wheel and deal, barter and trade. I'm not interested in trades. I deliberated over asking $34,000 and then dickering with people, but we'll cut to the chase. The price is firm as firm can be at $32,000 which includes shipping to your FFL anywhere in the lower-48 States and a scheduled Insurance policy for the full value of the rifle during transport. Inspection in person is possible if you'd like to drive to Western WI or fly into Minneapolis airport. The rifle is C&R FFL eligible if you have a collector's license.

This is a once in a lifetime chance to find a very, very high grade London gun from the Golden era with known provenance, perfect dimensions, perfect regulation, and everything you need to keep the rifle in duty for a lifetime of hunts.
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Wow, just wow!

 

[Whit]

Man. That's incredible. To hunt Africa for DG with a rifle held by an officer of the old Empire... the Empire at flood tide... a time of history that we will never see again...

If I could only have one DR for life, I'd take this rifle in half a heartbeat.

 

[rookhawk]

Man. That's incredible. To hunt Africa for DG with a rifle held by an officer of the old Empire... the Empire at flood tide... a time of history that we will never see again...

@Whit indeed. Sir Edward lived a pretty remarkable, although brief 42 year life. He was stationed all over the empire and was heavily involved in the battles in South Africa.