Make: John Rigby & Co.

Model: Mauser Sporting Best

Serial Number: 4619

Year of Manufacture: 1919

Caliber: .416 Rigby

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "John Rigby 43 Sackville St London W". The top of the receiver is marked "Rigby's Special 416 Bore For Big Game". The bottom of the barrel is marked with station marks, proof marks, and serial numbers. The station marks match on the barrel, receiver, bolt, and bottom metal.

Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut from 26" to 23".

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver-colored bead and folding ivory bead in a base soldered to the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is not present. The rear sight has been removed. There is a peep sight installed on the rear of the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece checkered walnut, single crossbolt, capped semi pistol grip, straight comb, with rubber recoil pad. The LOP is 14" from trigger to recoil pad. The stock has been refinished. There is flattening of the checkering is places. There is a repair on the left side of the stock above the trigger. There are fairly extensive scratches and nicks throughout. There is a repaired crack on the top left of the forend. There is a light repaired crack at the upper tang. The LOP has been shortened 1/2" from its original configuration, the pad has been replaced. Overall this stock is in Fair-Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. There are scattered scratches and minor oxidation. There is some light erosion that has been blued over. There is some finish wear on the muzzle, top of the barrel, and bottom metal. There is handing and operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are softened but legible. Overall this rifle rates in Good condition as refinished and modified.

Mechanics: This action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms this rifle may need a full cleaning to meet your standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes Rigby Authentication Certificate.

Our Assessment: The John Rigby & Co. Mauser Sporting "Best" rifles represent the pinnacle of early 20th century British gunmaking, built on refined Mauser actions and tailored for the most demanding hunting conditions across Africa and India. This 1919 example, produced in the immediate aftermath of the First World War, reflects a period when Rigby was supplying elite sportsmen and military officers with purpose-built dangerous game rifles. The rifle is chambered in .416 Rigby, introduced in 1911, one of the most respected big game cartridges ever developed, designed to deliver deep penetration and reliable stopping power on the largest and most formidable game. The Rigby-marked receiver and barrel, along with matching station marks across major components, affirm its origins as a true London-built sporting rifle.

This rifle shows evidence of a long useful life, with modifications that reflect practical field use. The barrel has been cut to 23" with the front sight relocated, the original rear sight has been removed in favor of a receiver-mounted peep sight, the stock has been refinished and shortened, showing repairs consistent with use under heavy recoil. The metal has also been refinished, retaining approximately 90% of its new finish. The bore remains serviceable with defined rifling and minor erosion, indicating continued viability.

This rifle carries notable historical provenance, having been originally purchased by Lieutenant Commander E. W. Fellowes of the British Royal Navy, a veteran of service aboard ships such as HMS Highflyer, Dreadnought, and Princess Royal during the Great War. This connection places the rifle within the broader narrative of British military and sporting tradition during the height of the Empire, when officers often carried such arms on overseas postings for sporting expeditions. While altered, the rifle retains its identity as a Rigby "Best" Mauser and stands as a tangible link to both the golden age of dangerous game hunting and the personal history of a naval officer of the era. Please see our photos and good luck!