Mountain Riflery / John Bolliger Signature Series .470 NE “The First Mountain Riflery Double Rifle”, 2007, Dubber engraving, outstanding English, elephant hide case, provenance, over 95 percent

Mountain Riflery / John Bolliger Signature Series .470 Nitro Express – “The First Mountain Riflery Double Rifle”. Bespoke circa 2007 and requiring 410 man hours to create, serial A470387 is the first of only four doubles made in this storied firm’s history. Based on a refined Merkel action, the 23.5 barrels have matted rib (stepped, brass-beaded blade front sight, sling swivel stud, fixed express rear sight with two folding leafs marked 50/100/150 and adorned with gold sighting triangles, extractor). The action itself has side clips, custom sideplates, a mechanical tang safety, cocking indicators, mechanical triggers, bushed strikers and an extended/tapering lower tang. STOCK: Fashioned from an outstanding English blank set with dynamic waves of marbling, the properly-tapered splinter wears a full wrap of fine checkering with contoured borders and fleur accents. The pattern becomes more elaborate on the butt, the borders accenting contours, complimenting transitions and extending along the toe line. A graceful palm swell, scalloped and shadow-lined cheek rest, steel grip cap, pedestaled stud and Pachmayr Decelerator complete the formalities. The butt is fitted with a counterweight to diminish recoil and perfect balance (the rifle balances at the hinge, pointing and swinging as effortlessly as a fine shotgun). ENGRAVING: Signed ahead of the guard by Michael Dubber, the action, plates, lever and barrel transition are dressed in bold gold wire with delicate supporting scroll, the pattern extending over the forend iron, cap and pedestal. “470 Nitro Express” rides the rib in a field of gold, initials “PWM” show on the guard and the legend “The First Mountain Riflery Double Rifle” appears on the left barrel. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 11.2 pounds. Length-of-pull is 14.8 inches, drops are 1.5 and 1.8 inches, and cast off is approximately .20-inch. CONDITION: Clearly lightly fired as the action remains tight to the point the Greener-style crossbolt lever must be pushed to center, bores are pristine and the barrels rock solid on face. Mechanics are positive and snappy. Metal finish is over 95 percent, the majority of adjustment from trace thinning at the safari carry point near the muzzles. Wood is at least 98 percent. The counterweight slightly shifts during handling and will be secured or removed upon request. PROVENANCE: A Certificate of Authenticity from Mountain Riflery is included. CASE: An outstanding elephant hide display case with fitted leather interior, bone-handled tools, brass oiler, key and maker’s label formalizes the presentation. The price is firm and layaway is available. $25,000 plus shipping.