Ladies & Gents,
The box lock double rifle shown in 3 photos attached below, is what I just could not resist, at the 2024 DSC Convention.
I bought it from Francis Lombardi III, at his and his father’s DSC booth, “Collector’s Firearms Inc”, of New York, USA.
It was built by Franz Sodia of Ferlach Austria, in caliber .375 H&H (the standard belted magnum version).
It has 26” ejector barrels and although I bought it 2nd hand, it appears to have remained unfired since leaving the Maker’s shop.
There is dark grease on the breech face and on various other contours within the receiver, visible when the barrels are tilted open.
Refer to my last picture on your right.
Perhaps it was put there a long time ago as it appears to be drying out.
I expect solvent and a nylon scrub brush should remove it, no worries.
I’ve had good luck with lighter fluid for removing stubborn “cosmoline” from 1930’s and 40’s surplus military firearms.
No doubt there are better products available for this today.
Also, turning the top lever to open the rifle requires noticeably more effort than a used double should have.
Again, I suspect it was not fired except for proof testing and / or regulating by the Maker.
This rifle is not young though because the anti-recoil pad is becoming brittle with age.
Photos L to R:
1.
Myself holding the rifle.
2.
Dr. Kevin Robertson posing with it.
It is no surprise but he is a perfect gentleman, courteous, friendly and obviously possessed of a very bright mind.
3.
Close up of the receiver, showing the rose & scroll style engraving, as well as what appears to be vintage brown color packing grease, aka—> “cosmoline” on the breach face.
Cheers,
Velo Dog