Product Details
H. BARELLA
A FINE 9X57R HAND-DETACHABLE SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 6303,
26 3/4in. Krupp-steel nitro barrels (converted from 8x57Rmm 360 in 1932), with tubes engraved 'H. BARELLA. BERLIN', partially matted raised rib, quickly-detachable telescopic sight mount bases, the breech-end gold-inlaid '360' and '2', later tangent rear sights, block-mounted bead foresight with flip-up moonsight and fold-over cover, gold-washed extractors, treble-grip action with side bolsters, removable striker discs, flats signed 'Barella', hand-detachable lockplates with gold-washed lockwork, gold-washed cocking-indicators, toplever gold-inlaid '2' and with gold insignia partially removed, manual side-safety with gold 'S' detail, double set triggers, fine acanthus scroll engraving, the underside signed 'BERNHARD MERKEL. SUHL. GERMANY.', retaining much colour-hardening and finish, 14 3/4in. figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, insert at comb, including 7/8in. rubber recoil pad, sling eyes removed, fore-end with Deeley & Edge patent release catch and horn finial, weight 8lb. 13oz.
Provenance: Research into the partially defaced 'crest' on the toplever would suggest that this rifle may have been built for His Highness Sir Jai Singh Prabhakar of the Princely Sate of Alwar from 1892 until 1937.
It is recorded that whilst Sir Jai Singh could be erudite and quite charming, he was also possessed of a cruel and profligate nature that eventually led to him being exiled without power in 1933 although he was not deposed from the throne. He spent the following years in Paris where he died, four years later, aged 54.
Estimate £10,000-15,000
S1