J.Rigby carbine, caliber 416

John Rigby and Co. (Gunmakers) Inc. is a firearms company founded in 1735 in Dublin, Ireland. These were difficult times marked by the reign of Queen Anne. Unfortunately, historical records have not preserved detailed information about the company’s earliest years, however after 1780, chronicles recorded in order books allow us to gain a clearer understanding of the company’s activities during that period. Archival materials show that the company was focused on the production of elite firearms from the very beginning and has remained true to this direction to the present day. Proof of this is the fact that throughout its history the company has received the prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment as a firearms supplier to the Royal Court five times. It is important to note that such a privileged status may be granted only by the Queen, the King, or the Prince of Wales. The first such warrant was issued by order of King George IV in 1806, and the fifth confirmation was granted relatively recently by Queen Elizabeth II.

Looking back at history, it becomes clear that since its founding the company developed quite successfully, however in May 1798 the law enforcement authorities of that era conducted a search of John Rigby’s workshop, during which a large quantity of firearms was seized by the standards of the time. Not only weapons intended for sale were confiscated, but also firearms that had already been paid for and were awaiting their owners. The seized weapons were transported to Dublin Castle, where, according to John Rigby’s daughter, they remained for an extended period. This was a challenging time for the company producing the legendary J Rigby rifles and carbines. Persistence, loyalty to tradition, the pursuit of perfection, and responsiveness to customer expectations ultimately allowed John Rigby to not only survive this difficult period but to rise to a new level of quality. Adhering to conservative values that emphasize traditions passed down through generations, John Rigby and Co. provided the British court with outstanding craftsmen. Both of John Rigby’s sons, William and John, followed in their father’s footsteps and became his successors. In 1818, following the founder’s death, the company was renamed W&J Rigby, Gun and Pistol Manufacturers. In 1845, John Rigby the son passed away, and his position was taken by William’s son, also named John. Recognition of his craftsmanship came after the Great Exhibition held in London in 1851. This was followed by the Paris Exhibition of 1855, where John Rigby presented his firearms to the European public. At both exhibitions, Rigby firearms received awards for high manufacturing quality and excellence of design. This marked the beginning of the company’s worldwide recognition as one of the leading manufacturers of high end firearms. Dear hunting enthusiasts and connoisseurs of elite firearms, if you wish to touch the history of Great Britain and feel a connection to the Royal Court, you should visit our hunting store in Podil and add a J. Rigby .416 caliber rifle to your collection.