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

[PCC600]

I figured those reading along and learning would be interested in this picture:

One of the rounds photographed is my “puny” 470 Nitro Express I use for hunting elephants, the other is Captain Jack’s 450 Number Two, 3-1/2” nitro express. Yes, they are that big!

View attachment 724363
View attachment 724364

I am very familiar with the 475No2 Jeffery . What stuns me with the photo of the 470 and 450No2 is the thickness of the latter’s rim . In the photo it looks to be nearly twice as thick . Is that correct or it it my old eyes playing tricks?

 

[VertigoBE]

Thanks for the kind words and congratulations, everyone! I will do my level best to be a caretaker worthy of such a piece. I would’ve forever regretted not making the jump, and the financial sting is eased a bit by nature of the purchase being a joint venture with my dad, who is something of a collector himself. This rifle will have excellent company in the safe, though it outshines them all.

There’s a chance this .450 will gather an elk before the year is out, but only if one wanders into the old man’s front yard, as they sometimes do.

That would be a great thing, to have your dad be able to take an elk with the Lancaster.
Congratulations to buyer and seller, this will be a good investment (for lack of a better word)

 

[Altitude sickness]

Owning a rifle like this is the same as owning a Ferrari 250 GTO, a DeHavilland Beaver, Ducati 916 Etc, Etc.

Owning something at the pinnacle of quality and desirability without paying millions for the example.

 

[rookhawk]

I am very familiar with the 475No2 Jeffery . What stuns me with the photo of the 470 and 450No2 is the thickness of the latter’s rim . In the photo it looks to be nearly twice as thick . Is that correct or it it my old eyes playing tricks?

Your eyes do not deceive you

In the early 20th century there were a lot of problems other 45 caliber rifles. They’d get so hot in the tropics they’d jam.

Elly brothers set out in 1903 to make a better 45. That gigantic rim is to guarantee extraction, something none of the other 450s of the day could. On top of that, the giant case lowered pressure so you wouldn’t need a gigantic rim to extract. It was a belt and suspenders design.

The 475#2 is exactly the same case, it’s just necked up.

 

[Pondoro]

It is a pity that .450 and .475No2 are not made anymore...powerful and low pressure as they are..

However, I never had pressure problems with .475 Straight or .470 in doubles even in high temps in Africa..maybe that was caused by temp. unstable cordite early on..

 

[Captain Jack]

It almost goes without saying, but I’d be remiss not to comment what a gentleman @rookhawk is. Truly a pleasure to speak and do business with you, sir! Your reputation here is well earned.

This forum is a very special place.

 

[Wyfox]

@Captain Jack
George Caswell just posted some new Bertram 450 #2 brass for sale on GI.

 

[Moosemind]

There's a bunch of 450 #2 brass on Gunbroker.

 

[Captain Jack]

Awesome, thanks guys! I will probably snag some - get while the getting is good, and all that.

 

[rookhawk]

@Captain Jack I’ll tell you where to get them for $6.40 a piece if you want more brass. No need to pay $9 to George on GI.

 

[Captain Jack]

I’ll tell you where to get them for $6.40 a piece if you want more brass. No need to pay $9 to George on GI.

I see that brass is available from at least one other retailer for less than what he's asking. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have more brass while it's available, so I am all ears!