W. J. Jeffery & Co. Model 95 Farquharson 450/400 Nitro Express Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $5625
LSB#: 230321WW002
Make: W. J. Jeffery & Co.
Model: 95
Serial Number: 9242
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1898-1925
Caliber: 450/400 Nitro Express
Action Type: Farquharson Action Falling Block Single-Shot Rifle
Barrel Length: 22 1/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a textured, ramped base fixed to the barrel. The top-rear of the blade has been filed at an angle to provide a bright aiming point. The rear sight is an Express-style square notch adjustable for elevation in its base screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut. The semi-beavertail forend is full-length with an ebony tip. The buttstock has a capped pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered small nicks and general light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows very faint wear with sharp checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-Excellent condition as refinished and/or replaced.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: The receiver’s case color is Original. The barrel has been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn copper fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrel’s finish is strong throughout. The receiver’s case color is generally strong, there is some handling wear in the tangs and the action shows light operational wear. There is an arc of wear on the right receiver flat from the safety lever. There are infrequent spots of very minor surface oxidation and more common spots of stubborn, dried grease. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: William Jackman Jeffery is a name which has long been associated with fine quality sporting arms. Jeffery started working in the shop of Cogswell & Harrison in 1885 and for a time managed the London showroom of P. Webley & Son. Following a short partnership with a man named Davies, W. J. Jeffery & Co. was founded in 1891 and the firm is still around, today! In addition to producing sporting shotguns and rifles, W. J. Jeffery & Co. also developed a number of rifle cartridges including the .404 Jeffery which was a popular safari cartridge for many years.
This example of Jeffery’s work is a vintage single-shot rifle made with a Farquharson action. W. J. Jeffery & Co. designated this the Model 95 and this one is chambered for 450/400 Nitro. The barrel has been refinished and the stocks refinished and/or replaced, but the receiver retains strong original case color. The result is a rifle that is as beautiful as it is powerful. This is a classy early 20th Century sporting rifle that is in great shape, perfect for a collection or to get back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
