Rigby

An exquisite .275 Rigby rifle, built by London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. as a tribute to Jim Corbett, has broken records at this year's Safari Club International Convention selling at auction for $250,000, making it the most valuable bolt-action rifle ever sold in more than 40 years of SCI auctions.

Bought jointly by American SCI members Brian and Denise Welker, the husband and wife were thrilled to have won the commemorative rifle. “Corbett has always been very special to us,” explained Brian, adding: “We have followed him for many years and read all his memoirs. This was not an impulse buy, we had studied this rifle closely and I knew I was going to bid for it.” Denise added: “Three of our sons were also here with us tonight to see their father win this rifle, which made it even more special.”

As well as the rifle, Rigby’s Lot included a limited edition five-book set of Corbett memoirs, a magnificent display credenza crafted by Julian & Sons and an original oil painting depicting the last moments of the Champawat man-eating tiger by renowned artist David Southgate.

Rigby’s Managing Director, Marc Newton, commented: “I am absolutely delighted with this result. Not only will the proceeds help SCI continue to work for hunting and conservation, but it’s also a huge endorsement of the work carried out by the team at Rigby. This project was a real labour of love for everyone involved, and has resulted in the best bolt-action rifle Rigby has ever made – a fitting tribute to Jim Corbett. I’d like to thank my team for all their hours of hard work, and wish Brian and Denise a long and exciting future with the rifle.”

SCI’s President Larry Higgins added: “The incredible generosity of Rigby and SCI members shows that SCI is the leading organisation when it comes to raising the funds needed to protect hunting and the rights of all hunters.”

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. will be exhibiting its new, special edition range of its multi-award-winning Big Game rifle on the Blaser booth at next week’s SHOT Show, which is taking place in Las Vegas.

Founded in 1775, the cult brand will be showcasing the highly anticipated ‘PH’ and ‘Vintage’ models of its bestselling Big Game rifle as well as a London Best in .450 Rigby throughout the four-day show.

Plus visitors to the Media Day on Monday 18 January are invited to shoot the Vintage model in .416 Rigby. Built to specifications taken from pre-1940s models in the firm’s London museum, this edition of the Big Game rifle has been designed to capture the spirit and style of the renowned Rigby’s of the past.

John Rigby & Co., has announced the addition of an original oil painting by artist David Southgate to its World Heritage Rifle Series donation for the annual Safari Club International (SCI) auction in Las Vegas on Saturday 6 February 2016.

Entitled “Last Moments of the Champawat Maneater”, the painting depicts legendary hunter Jim Corbett dispatching a man-eating tigress, which had claimed 400 lives in India. It was as a mark of gratitude for this deed that he was presented with a .275 Rigby that went on to feature so prominently in his future exploits and memoirs, and which will be on display at the SCI Convention.

With a guide price of $150,000, Rigby’s highly coveted Lot now includes four items in total – the painting, a Rigby London Best bolt action rifle in .275, specially built as a tribute to Corbett, a limited edition, leather bound set of Corbett’s best-selling writings, and a specially commissioned display credenza.

Mr Southgate approached Rigby to discuss donating his painting after reading about Rigby’s donation in SCI’s Safari Magazine. Rigby bought the painting and Mr Southgate will donate the purchase money to tiger conservation projects at the Jim Corbett National Park in India.

Marc Newton, Managing Director of John Rigby & Co, commented: “It is an honour to have someone with David’s knowledge and passion give his support to this project. The painting is a perfect fit with the rifle and we’re delighted that SCI’s conservation work and the Jim Corbett National Park will benefit from this generous gesture.”

David Southgate added: “I first became enthralled with Corbett’s hunting tales at the age of 13 and have re-read them repeatedly since then. The opportunity to contribute to the Lot celebrating one of my childhood hereos and to raise funds for conservation in an Indian National Park, named after him, was too good to pass up.”

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has launched a selection of shotgun cartridges designed to help clients get the most out of gameshooting this season.

The move comes as part of the continued development and expansion of the firm’s gun servicing and repairs business, which is carried out by Rigby’s skilled team of gunmakers at its South London workshop, where its premium rifles are also made.

The 2015 offerings pay homage to the classic Rigby branding used by the gunmaker on shotgun cartridges in the past. They also benefit, however, from the latest developments in shotgun cartridge technology, thanks to the Royal Warrant-holding Hull Cartridge Company, which loaded the cartridges for Rigby. At 65mm (2.5 inches) in length, the cartridges have been designed to fit classic side-by-sides as well as modern over-and-under shotguns. They are available directly from Rigby’s flagship store in London with fibre wads in traditional game loads for both 12- and 20-bore guns. The 20-bore ‘Pensbury’ cartridge is available in 28g of No 6 shot, while the 12-bore ‘Sackville’ comes in 28g of No 6 shot or 30g of No 5 shot.

Managing Director Marc Newton commented: “With the growth of our work repairing and servicing shotguns for clients, bringing back Rigby branded shotgun cartridges seemed a logical thing to do. We may be best known for our big game rifles, which are used to hunt all around the world, but that doesn’t mean we’re not passionate about gameshooting in the UK too. Now clients will be able to take the Rigby spirit with them to tackle high pheasants as well as the Highveld..”

Prices: 20b £75/250, 12b 28g £73/250, 12b 30g £77/250

Does your contacts book read like a who’s who of big game hunting? Are you passionate about the London gun trade? British gunmaker John Rigby & Co. is looking for a dynamic Sales Agent for the USA.

The full-time role requires the successful candidate to not only look after retailers but also individual clients by attending both trade and consumer shows throughout the year. The ideal candidate will already be working within the gun trade and will have experience in a similar role.

The new Sales Agent will be responsible for selling Rigby’s full range of rifles including the multi-award-winning Big Game, magnificent London Best and famous Rising Bite.

Gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has been gifted an extremely rare book by legendary big game hunter Jim Corbett for its collection in London.

The paperback, entitled ‘Jungle Stories’, was given to Rigby on loan by Robert Bucknell after he attended a standing-room-only presentation by Rigby’s Managing Director Marc Newton where he spoke about his recent acquisition of Corbett’s famous .275 Rigby bolt-action rifle.

During his talk at the CLA Game Fair, Marc mentioned that the book was actually for sale at the show on the Coch-y-Bonddu Books stand. Printed in 1935, only 100 copies of the 104-page book were ever published so it came with a hefty price tag. Marc explained: “We were well aware of the book but there was no way our budget could extend to purchasing it. I could not believe it when Robert approached me afterwards with the book in his hand – it was a complete surprise. We have been slowly gathering Corbett memorabilia to display at the Rigby showroom, so being loaned this phenomenal book for the collection is incredible. We are extremely grateful to Robert for his generosity.”

Robert commented: “I am a passionate Rigby and Corbett fan. I bought the book to prevent it disappearing into a private collection overseas where no-one would see it – this way every Corbett admirer can enjoy his musings.”

Paul Morgan of Coch-y-Bonddu Books added: “As a bookseller specialising in big game hunting and field sports for three decades, I have never seen or heard of another copy being offered for sale. I saw this one listed in another bookseller's catalogue about 25 years ago and knowing of its rarity I bought it immediately. Rather than offer it for sale I have kept in my own collection ever since, having a fine clam-shell book-box made for it by my bookbinder. I had told my friend Robert Bucknell of its existance, but it was only when Rigby held the exhibition of Corbett memorabilia at the CLA Game Fair that I offered it for sale.”

All Corbett memorabilia is available to view at the Rigby showroom in London. To book an appointment, tel: 0207 720 0757.

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has appointed master engraver Geoffrey Lignon to work full-time on its multi-award-winning rifles.

Originally trained at the world famous Leige Gunmaking School in Belgium, 25-year old Geoffrey says working for Rigby is a dream come true. “I have been passionate about Africa and its wildlife ever since I was a child. My favourite animals to engrave have always been big game animals, so it is fantastic for me to work for a company like Rigby. I am very grateful to be given this chance and look forward to contributing to the great guns Rigby is making."

Rigby’s Managing Director Marc Newton added: “I was introduced to Geoffrey by one of our other guys. He showed me a plate with a buffalo on it and I thought ‘this is the best buffalo I have ever seen engraved’.  Without hesitation, we offered him a job immediately.”

The oldest gunmaking company in continuous existence in the English-speaking world, John Rigby & Co., has teamed up with hunting and conservation organisation Safari Club International (SCI) to offer a fantastic gift to anyone buying a new Rigby rifle in the next 12 months. New Rigby owners will automatically receive one year of SCI membership – compliments of John Rigby & Co., with all associated benefits, including worldwide delivery of all SCI publications, including seven annual issues of Safari Magazine and 12 issues of the award-winning Safari Times. Existing SCI members buying a new rifle will be able to transfer the gift membership to a third party of their choice.

The move further aligns the two organisations, which have been working together in advance of next year’s SCI International Hunters’ Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA that brings 25,000 hunters’ from across the globe together for an annual gathering.  Rigby’s gunmakers are producing a commemorative .275 rifle in homage to the Rigby rifle of that calibre used by the renowned hunter of man-eating big cats and big game protection pioneer, Jim Corbett. Earlier this year, Rigby acquired Corbett’s .275 and will display the original, along with the commemorative rifle produced for auction, at the SCI convention, February 3 – 6, 2016. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund wildlife conservation programs and the protection of hunters’ freedoms globally.

Rigby’s Managing Director, Marc Newton, said: “We’re very pleased to strengthen our connection to SCI in this way and delighted to be able offer purchasers the benefit of SCI membership.”

The world’s third oldest gunmaker, John Rigby & Co., has named New Zealand hunting personality Davey Hughes as a global ambassador and distributor for all Rigby products in New Zealand. Davey, the founder and owner of the world-renowned New Zealand-based Swazi outdoor clothing brand, will be creating a Rigby showroom dedicated to the London gunmaker at Swazi’s North Island headquarters in Levin.

Davey has hunted all over the world, from the Arctic Circle to Tanzania and embodies the spirit of true Rigby adventure. He is a dedicated conservationist and is a passionate advocate of encouraging young people to get out and experience the world’s back country for themselves. For his own adventures, Davey will now be hunting with one of Rigby’s Big Game rifles in his favourite calibre, the venerable .416 Rigby.

Speaking about his new partnership with Rigby, Davey said: “I am absolutely thrilled. As a young man, I dreamed of having my very own Rigby like my heroes, the great African hunters and my fellow New Zealanders Captain ‘Samaki’ Salmon and Temple Perkins. This has now become a reality. With the release of the Rigby Big Game rifle I am certain many other New Zealand hunters will also come to realise their dreams of hunting with the a Rigby are now even more obtainable.”

Rigby’s Managing Director Marc Newton said the firm was delighted to have Hughes on board: “It’s great to have someone so charismatic and well-respected representing us around the world and helping us service customers in New Zealand. We can’t wait to see what Davey will get up to with his Big Game.”

The world’s third oldest gunmaker, John Rigby & Co., has acquired one of the most famous sporting rifles of all time: the .275 Rigby bolt-action rifle that was presented to Jim Corbett for killing the dreaded ‘man-eating tigress of Champawat’ in 1907 by Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces, Sir John Hewitt KCSI.

Corbett went on to use the gun in India to dispatch a number of man-eating big cats, blamed for the deaths of hundreds of people which he chronicled in his best-selling memoirs. These incredible accounts of his adventures are known to nearly every big game hunter the world over.

Rigby has also acquired correspondence from Corbett provenancing and mentioning the rifle, which bears an engraved silver plaque recording its presentation. This legendary gun, which is in full working order, and the memorabilia will start a world tour this summer, beginning with the CLA Game Fair in the UK.

Together with Safari Press, Rigby will also be producing a leather-bound, five-book set of Corbett's writings, with a new foreword to mark the rifle's return. Only 100 will be made and each set will be individually numbered. The profits from this limited edition set will be donated to The Jim Corbett National Park in India.

Marc Newton, Managing Director of Rigby, commented: “The Corbett gun is a real piece of Rigby history. Every gun that leaves our workshop has a piece of this rifle’s DNA in it. It’s fantastic to have it back with the firm and we’d encourage as many people as possible to come and see it for themselves.”

John Rigby & Co has won the Best New Rifle award for its Big Game rifle at the 2015 Time Inc Shooting Industry Awards held at Mercure Brandon Hall, Coventry, on Thursday 14 May.

Celebrating its 20th year, the highly respected annual awards are recognised for acknowledging the UK shooting industry’s achievements and innovations throughout the previous year.

The Best New Rifle category focused on identifying the rifle that had made the biggest impact during 2014 through its design and innovation, handling characteristics, sales figures, customer recommendations and overall impact on the market.

The Rigby Big Game rifle is built on the newly manufactured Magnum Mauser action, based on the classic and time-tested Model 98 design. The Big Game retains many aspects of the original rifle, including the extractor and three-position flag safety. Its barrelled actions are supplied by Mauser before being assembled into superb hand-finished rifles by Rigby’s master craftsmen at its London workshop.

Will Hetherington, Editor of Shooting Gazette and one of the award judges, commented: “The Rigby Big Game rifle is a superb piece of gunmaking and is very competitively priced in its market. This entry cast a huge shadow over the others and when it came to the crunch we just couldn’t ignore that.”

Marc Newton, Managing Director of John Rigby & Co, added: “The Big Game has now won awards on both sides of the Atlantic which is not only testament to the skill of our gunsmiths but a great accolade for the whole of the Rigby team which has put a huge amount of effort into creating this superb rifle. I am tremendously proud!”

John Rigby and Co is offering its clients a bespoke gold inlay service enabling them to add a specific personal touch their rifles. Gold inlay is a complex and highly skilled technique whereby 24 carat gold is set into wood or metal and can include designs such as a Rigby logo, animal heads, lettering, initials or any other design a client may choose.

Gold inlay has been used for centuries on the wooden stocks or metal surfaces of firearms and edged weapons. Channelled or recessed areas shaped to the required design are carved into the surface and are then filled with gold.

Such metal inlay techniques require the sides of the area to be filled to be undercut in a dovetail profile. When the gold is hammered into the cavity it flares into the undercut sides, securing the inlay in place. The gold is either then burnished flush with the service or left to protrude in relief, in a technique called encrusting.

The gold inlay service, which starts at £200, is available for all of Rigby’s renowned range of rifles including the Big Game series, its custom made London Best range and the premium, famous Rising Bite rifles which are currently in production.

Ed Workman, Workshop Manager at Rigby, commented: “Gold inlay was one of the most usual methods of decorating firearms and armour in the past and we’re proud to be offering this traditional yet highly specialist service to our clients which will enable them to personalise their rifle with a design of their choice.”

Melissa Rigby, the great-great-great-granddaughter of John Rigby, who founded John Rigby & Co Gunmakers in 1775, is to work on Rigby’s range of Rising Bite, London Best and Big Game rifles.

London-based Melissa recently visited the Rigby premises in London for a tour of the workshop and showroom with Rigby’s Manging Director Marc Newton. In a touch of serendipity Marc found out during the meeting that Melissa works as a goldsmith and enameller and immediately invited her to produce some enamel work to feature on the company’s renowned range of rifles.

Marc Newton commented: “Meeting Melissa who actually resembles some of her Rigby ancestors gives me an enormous sense of being able to touch the past. The fact that she is a goldsmith and enameller is amazing and to have someone with direct links to Rigby’s founders contributing to our rifles is absolutely momentous. Moreover, it is clear that Melissa has inherited her ancestor’s passion for excellence, attention to detail and perfectionism.”

Melissa added: “It was incredibly exciting to visit Rigby’s premises, to meet the team and to learn about the range of rifles they make. To be asked to produce some enamel work for these rifles is a great honour and I am sure my ancestors would be immensely proud to know someone from the Rigby family is still involved with the business.”

John Rigby & Co was delighted to receive the Sporting Classics Award for Excellence for its Big Game rifle at the Safari Club International Annual Convention, held in Las Vegas in January.

The award was presented to the Rigby team by Ron Spomer, rifle editor of Sporting Classics, the renowned global hunting andfishing magazine headquartered in South Carolina.

The Rigby Big Game rifle is built on the newly manufactured Magnum Mauser action, which is based on the classic and time-tested Model 98 design. Its barreled actions are supplied by Mauser before being assembled into superb hand-finished rifles by master craftsmen at Rigby’s London workshop.

Marc Newton, Managing Director of John Rigby & Co, commented: “To be given this prestigious award less than two years after Rigby’s return to the UK is a huge accolade for the whole of the team and I am very proud that Rigby’s gunroom manager David Miles and factory manager Mark Renmant were with me at the ceremony. The award is now on display in the workshop where everyone who has put their heart and soul into creating the Big Game rifle can see it and be reminded of this superb achievement.” 

Mark Renmant, who designed the Big Game rifle stock and been involved with Rigby for the past 33 years, added: “I was enormously proud to go up and receive this award which recognises the huge team effort put into creating the Big Game rifle. This was a tremendous moment, a great honour for me personally and for the Rigby team, and something I will remember for many years to come.”

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co has announced an invaluable new historical research service that will enable Rigby owners to discover the provenance of their firearm. This includes when it was made, who it was first sold to, what its action number and serial numbers are and, if available, information on its style and finish.

Rigby owners who want to take up the service need to supply Rigby with the serial number of their rifle or shotgun. Rigby’s in-house historian will then search through the relevant company ledger to discover the firearm’s provenance. Rigby’s 82 history-filled ledgers, which are kept at its purpose-built Vauxhall-based showroom, include records of all the guns Rigby has made since 1775.

The research service will also appeal to anyone who wants proof of their Rigby’s authenticity, should they want to put it on the market, and will enable potential purchasers of a Rigby to check it is genuine.

David Miles, Rigby’s Gunroom Manager, commented: “This new service means those who already own a Rigby can take pride in its history and enjoy owning a certificate stating its provenance taken direct from our ledgers. For someone thinking of buying or selling a Rigby the service is useful in proving authenticity. With Rigby you don’t just own a gun you also own a slice of history and we are very happy to be able to share this information with our clients.”

A Big Game rifle donated by London gunmaker John Rigby & Co raised £5,250 at a fundraising auction held by Save the Waterberg Rhino. The double square bridge rifle in .416-calibre was bought by New York-based Michael Kumar.

Save the Waterberg Rhino was set up in November 2012 to protect and conserve rhino populations, support the war against rhino poaching and enhance security and eco education in the Waterberg biosphere area in Limpopo Province, northern South Africa.

The auction, which took place on Wednesday 5 November at William & Son, was hosted by Ant Baber, co-founder of the charity and world-renowned musician Mark Knopfler, patron of the charity. A total of £40,000 was raised for the project during the evening.

Gustav Collins, Project Coordinator at Save the Waterberg Rhino, commented: “I would like to express our sincerest thanks to Rigby for its kind-hearted donation of the Big Game rifle and for its remarkable passion for wildlife and generosity which helped make the event such a great occasion.”

David Miles, Gunroom Manager at Rigby, added: “As hunters as well as gunmakers, we are passionate about conservation and the environment that these beautiful and endangered animals live in. It is one thing talking about their welfare, but it is action like this that is needed to raise money and to make a difference. We are proud to have donated this rifle to Save the Waterberg Rhino and wish them every success.”