Superb J.& L. Wilkins (Birmingham) dangerous game rifle in .404 Nitro Express (.404 Jeffery). Crafted around an Argentine Mauser 1909, serial 40402 features a 24.5-inch heavy sporter barrel with a beaded front sight, Mag-Na-Port (four ports), banded sling swivel stud, island rear sight with one fixed and three folding leafs accented by gold sighting lines (engraved, in turn, 100/200/300/400), unmolested action with brilliant color case (receiver, bolt body, bolt handle, follower, release, safety, shroud, bottom metal and grip cap) straight bolt handle, three-position safety and custom bottom metal with drop box magazine. The stock begins with a horn forend tip and wears 24 lines-per-inch wrapped borderless checkering, twin crossbolts, trapdoor grip cap and a proper scalloped cheek rest with shadow line. ENGRAVING: The action is dressed in well-executed rose and scroll. Related accents appear on the front sight body, cap and screws. The gold serial rides the guard, while “Safe” and “Ready”, also in gold, adorn either side of the safety lever. MARKINGS: “J. & L. Wilkins & Co. Birmingham. England” appears on a single centered line forward of the island, “Regulated for RWS Ammunition 401 Grain Metal Covered Bullet” shows on two lines just aft of the island and “Jefferys 404 Nitro Express” is engraved boldly over the curve of the front ring. Initials “RJT” in script are on the grip cap. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 9.8 pounds. Length of pull is 14.2 inches and drops are 1.5 and 2.25 inches. CONDITION: The bore is absent visible wear. Bluing is at least 97 percent and colors are vivid – nearly 100 percent. The stock is at least 98 percent, with only modest indications of handling.