Collection Gift Guide: Presidential Sweet
December 2, 2003
John Rigby & Co.
John Rigby & Co. was founded in Dublin in 1735,
and is the oldest gunmaker in the English-speaking world. Whether you are
joining friends for a driven shoot at Dromoland Castle or walking a fencerow
with your son on an Indiana farm, you’ll do no better than to have a
time-honored Rigby in your hands. Although Rigby’s creed holds that “every Rigby
is fit and finished as though your life depends on it,” as with any fine
shotgun, you’re not buying a firearm—you’re buying a piece of art. Rigby was
appointed Royal Gunmaker to every king since George IV, and holds that honored
designation yet today for Queen Elizabeth II. Rigby introduced its bolt-action
.416 in 1912, and it quickly became the rifle of choice among African big-game
hunters. The .416 continues to enjoy great popularity today.
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This gun was built for George H.W. Bush, and is accented with his
monogram as well as the presidential and CIA seals. (Click image to enlarge)Rigby produces a full range of side-by-side and over-and-under sidelock shotguns in 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 gauges. Shotgun features include well-struck chopper lump steel (in your choice of rust blue, color case, and coin finishes), Southgate selective ejectors, and exhibition-grade English walnut stocks. Stocks are available with splinter, semi, or full beavertail forends, and buttstocks may be had with straight, Prince of Wales, or full pistol grips. The 20-gauge side-by-side was commissioned for former President George H.W. Bush. The shotgun features 28-inch barrels and hand-detachable locks. The intricate gold inlay and scrollwork was executed by Lisa Tomlin, widely acclaimed as one of the nation’s finest engravers.
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Cased 20-gauge, custom fit, produced, and engraved on the behalf of a
birder with fine shooting taste. (Click image to enlarge)The engraving depicts highlights from the president’s distinguished career: The right sidelock features naval aviators’ wings from his tour as a World War II pilot; the Central Intelligence Agency seal honors his term as its director; and, of course, the floorplate is embellished with the Seal of the President of the United States. All of this is wrapped around an exquisite piece of walnut in a fitted, buffalo hide Marvin Huey case. Should you decide to place an order for a shotgun similar to the former president’s, either as a stand-alone or a matched pair, lead time currently runs approximately six months, depending on engraving requirements. Each gun is fitted to the client’s specified dimensions and shooting preferences. This example cost $42,000; special engraving and gold work is quoted on an individual basis. A Texas ranch is not included.
John Rigby & Co.
805.227.4236
www.johnrigbyandco.com
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