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E. J. CHURCHILL
A FINE AND RARE .22 (LONG RIFLE) BOXLOCK EJECTOR RIFLE, NO. 5113
22-inch barrels with ramp fore sight, short raised file cut rib with folding leaf sight graduated to 100, engraved breeches, with scroll backed frame and top lever with fine scroll engraving and retaining virtually all of its original hardening colour, 14-inch well figured stock, 4lb. 4oz., nitro proof, in its lightweight leather "VC" gun case with tin containing spare fore sights, the lid embossed in gold Marchioness of Londonderry
The maker confirms that the rifle was built in 1935 for the Marchioness of Londonderry. Examples of .22 rimfire double barrel rifles are especially rare with only a handful by Churchill known to exist.
Edith Vane-Tempest-Stewart, Marchioness of Londonderry, 1878-1959
Remembered as a noted society host between the wars, it was her service during the First World War that is expecially memorable. In 1914, after the outbreak of World War I, she was appointed the Colonel-in-Chief of the Women's Volunteer Reserve (WRV), a volunteer force formed of women replacing the men who had left work and gone up to the Front. The WRV was renamed in July 1914 as the The Women's Legion and was considerable in size by the end of the War, comprising tens of thousands of volunteers. Lady Londonderry also aided with the organisation of the Officers' Hospital set up in her house and was the first woman to be appointed to be a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Military Division upon the Order's establishment in 1917. |
Sold for £17500
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland |
| 20 August 2012 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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