Built in four barrel format, the rifle is in truth a double barrel rifle that revolves once you have discharged the first two shots. There is a very simple sliding top lever that you pull back with the locks on half cock, so allowing you to rotate the barrels and prime them in preparation for the next two shots. Each side by side configuration of barrels has its own set of open sights as well as a sling swivel attachment.
Probably the most unusual feature of the whole rifle package is the fact that it has two stocks and actions. The only discernible difference is that one has a straight hand grip and the other a conventional pistol grip, more common to a double rifle. We have never come across this double stock and action configuration before and can only wonder at the difficult and considerable cost of construction!
As with the previous rifle, this one is fully gold washed and comes complete in its case with numerous accessories in an unfired condition. It has to be said that Charles Lancaster really did build some truly outstanding and unique rifles, this one in our humble opinion being one of the finest.
Two stock configuration certainly unique!
Gold washed action parts.
Sliding top bolt to lock the rotating barrels in place.
Keith Fahl on November 27, 2017 at 1:08 pm
What an interesting rifle. Do you know what caliber it is and what load it was regulated for?
Keith
Trigger on November 28, 2017 at 2:33 am
Hi Keith
The rifle is a .450, but I have no idea of the powder load. Way before my time!!!
Best regards
Trigger
Neill on November 28, 2017 at 9:53 am
What does it weigh please? I imagine it is a hefty piece. Fabulous craftsmanship though.
Trigger on November 28, 2017 at 9:55 am
Hi Neill
Not as heavy as you think, as a black powder weapon they tend to be slimmer in proportion than say a full nitro. Weighs 10lb 6 1/2 ozs.
Best regards
Trigger
Vic Venters on November 28, 2017 at 6:37 pm
Get past the bling (not easy I admit) but a pretty stunning example of British gunmaking craftsmanship.
Jason on November 28, 2017 at 8:27 pm
It's interesting that it's a 450 but the round ball mold is for a 13 bore. Wonder if it had other barrels in its life!
Peter Buckley. on November 29, 2017 at 4:23 am
Hi Trigger
What a spectacular revolving double rifle, the sights maybe a little optimistic, express leaf and military style ladder with what seems to be relatively short barrels!
Top quality English gun making, the accessories and even down to the barrel brushes and jags absolutely wonderful!
What does intrigue me and what is not visible in the photos is the connection between the barrels and action, is it a spigot type that locks into the action and can be released by the sliding top lever?
Now about the almost twin stocks and actions, the only thing that comes to mind is maybe the pistol grip stock was used for more precise aiming, if one pair of barrels were smooth bored it would be self explanatory.
Thank you for part two it should provoke someone to correct us all!
Best regards. Peter.