Description
Physical description
Kavanagh extractor rook and rabbit rifle & case (comprising stock & barrel). Conventional English rebounding centre hammer, side lever, double bite, extractor rook rifle with action now polished bright. This is the Type 2 action, with no separate bottom plate and the side lever pivotted about one inch in front of the trigger guard. The action is slightly shallower and lighter than the Type 1. Octagonal barrel with top flat engine turned to reduce reflection, rear sight with one standing leaf (100 yards), bead fore sight. Very well figured pistol grip stock with steel pistol grip cap but no butt plate. Snap fore end. Devoid of engraving. In green canvas case with trade label of F.P. Baker and initials 'N. de W. B.' on lid.
History note
The basic model of rook and rabbit rifle sold by many British gunsmiths in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Usually sold in the popular 'rook and rabbit' calibres (.297/.250, .300 and .380). There were minor variations in the ejector or extractor used, in barrel form (the majority of Type 2s were octagonal), in stock form and stock quality, but the arm was usually left without engraving. This example is unusual in having been made de novo in .22 rimfire, so is a late example, probably early 20th century. The case is a perfect fit, so is probably original to the rifle. It may be that the rifle was sold second hand by F.P. Baker. 'F.P. Baker' is a different business to that of the well-known 'F.T. Baker', and is first recorded in 1907.
Engraved on top flat of barrel
W. KAVANAGH & SON 12 DAME ST DUBLIN
Roll engraved on left side of action
W. KAVANAGH & SON DUBLIN
Trade label in case.
F.P. Baker & Co. Gun Department 15, Panton Street, Haymarket, S.W.1 Head Office 2, Upper James Street, Golden Square, W1.
Stamped on trigger guard
10784
Stamped on action flat
British proof marks