Factory E. Thevenet and M. Francotte Signed and Engraved Verney-Carron Dangerous Game Double Rifle in .500 Nitro Express with Case

A highly desirable French-made double rifle with serious collector appeal, this .500 Nitro Express combines classic dangerous-game heritage, exceptional engraving, documented proofing, and premium traditional craftsmanship. Chambered for a cartridge with more than 125 years of African dangerous-game history, it stands out as both a functional big-game rifle and a refined collectible.

• Fine French double rifle chambered in the venerable .500 Nitro Express
• .500 Nitro Express has been used for hunting Africa’s dangerous game for over 125 years, adding strong historical and safari-rifle appeal
• Blued steel barrels with classic express-rifle sighting equipment:
  • Beaded blade front sight
  • Front sight mounted on an engraved ramped island base
  • Three-leaf rear sight with one standing leaf and two folding leaves
  • Gold centerline on the standing rear sight leaf for fast alignment
  • Matted rear quarter rib to reduce glare
• Barrel details include:
  • Decorative band of engraving at the breech
  • Import mark on the under rib
  • Post-2014 French CIP proof marks
• Brushed bright finished Demas boxlock action, offering both elegance and strength
• Extremely strong triple-hook and recoil-face locking mechanism, a robust lock-up system well suited to a powerful dangerous-game cartridge
• Carved “mustache” bolster and arcaded fences for a distinctive high-grade French profile
• Extensive, highly attractive acanthus scroll engraving:
  • Covers the action body
  • Surrounds the Verney-Carron emblem on the underside
  • Continues onto the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs
• Engraving is signed on the triggerplate: “E. THEVENET – M. FRANCOTTE”
  • This named engraver signature adds provenance, artistry, and collector significance
• Equipped with bushed firing pins, a desirable feature for serviceability and durability
• Double triggers, traditional and preferred by many double-rifle enthusiasts
• Tang-mounted manual safety for classic operation
• Beautifully stocked with high-grade wood:
  • Stunning, highly figured splinter forend
  • Multi-point checkering for both grip and visual refinement
  • Engraved brushed bright forend iron and release
  • Pistol grip stock with raised ridge at the rear of the checkering
  • Brushed bright and engraved trapdoor grip cap
  • Shadowline cheekpiece
  • Silver’s-type red rubber recoil pad
• Includes important factory and documentation items:
  • Factory takedown case
  • Proofing certificate
  • 50-meter test target
• Length of pull: 14 7/8 inches
• Weight: 10 lbs. 10 oz.

With its powerful historic chambering, signed hand engraving, French proof documentation, factory case, and elegant high-grade finish, this rifle offers the kind of craftsmanship, provenance, and presentation that make it especially appealing to serious double-rifle collectors.