Antique Bozard and Co .450 3 1/4″ BP Express Side By Side Rifle
SOLD FOR: $3,426.00
LSB#: LSB260419DN073
Make: Bozard and Co
Model: Side by Side Rifle
Serial#: 8201
Year of Manufacture: 1888-1896
Caliber: .450 3 1/4″ BP Express
Action Type: Side by side, break action, back action, rifle with double triggers.
Markings: The lock plates are marked “Bozard and Co”. The barrels are marked “33 New Bond St, London, Bozard and Co”. The serial number is on the lower tang. There are British proofs on the barrel flat. The bottom rib and forend are marked “5026”.
Barrel Length: 27″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is an insert style beaded blade. The rear sight is a two leaf folding V notch with leafs marked at 150 and 250.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is two piece checkered walnut, splinter forend, capped semi pistol grip, straight comb, and red rubber recoil pad. The LOP is 13 1/2″ and 14 1/2″ from triggers to recoil pad. The stock has been refinished. There is a repair on the toe. There are light scratches and compression dents scattered throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There are a few very minor rust pits. In this writer’s opinion these bores rate 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. There is some thinned bluing at the muzzle and near the sights from handling. There are light scratches and minor corrosion staining. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: This action works correctly. The hammers hold full and half cock. The firing pins are free. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Case
Our Assessment: This Bozard & Co. side-by-side double rifle is a desirable antique British sporting rifle dating to the 1888–1896 period and chambered in the powerful .450 3 1/4″ BP Express cartridge. The back-action locks, double triggers, 27″ barrels, express-style two-leaf rear sight marked for 150 and 250 yards, and insert-style beaded front sight all reflect its purpose as a serious dangerous-game or heavy sporting rifle. The “Bozard and Co” lockplate markings and “33 New Bond St, London” barrel address give it strong London-maker identity, while the included case adds important presentation and accessory value.
Condition is Good to Very Good overall, with the rifle retaining about 85% of its original blued finish. The metal shows thinned blue at the muzzle and near the sights from handling, along with light scratches and minor corrosion staining. The checkered walnut stock set has been refinished and remains attractive, showing light scratches, compression dents, and a repaired toe, but no chips or cracks. The splinter forend, capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and red rubber recoil pad give the rifle a classic British sporting profile, though the bottom rib and forend being marked “5026” while the rifle serial number is “8201” should be noted as a potential originality concern.
The bores are bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only a few very minor rust pits, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the hammers hold at both full and half cock, and the firing pins are free, though the rifle has not been test fired. Given the rifle’s age, chambering, and possible mixed-number components, a careful inspection by a qualified gunsmith familiar with British double rifles and Black Powder proofing would be prudent before any firing use. Overall, this is an appealing antique Bozard & Co. .450 BP Express double rifle with strong maker markings, good bores, functional mechanics, classic express-rifle character, and useful case accompaniment. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF