H&H Royal .375 Flanged Nitro Mag For Elephant

Here's an odd proposition. I'm this guy, I was taken for everything I have and more for years ahead on a Rhino hunt scam in 2014:

http://www.africahunting.com/thread...g-situation-with-rhinocon-anton-bakker.17695/

Long story short I sent everything and even took a loan for the remainder to do rhino while still possible, and all of it vanished. My African dreams are alive and well, I just have to find a way to move forward, and I thought of this. Despite what it looks like with an H&H Royal and a Rhino hunt I'm not a wealthy guy but a young dad and bush pilot here in Northern Canada, I bend every sail for hunting and Africa however, live and breath it.

I cycle through fine guns, rarely able to hang on to them for long but enjoy them and then let them go. This one I wanted to hang on to. However, I want to hunt Elephant even more.

Replacement value on the rifle is around $180,000US at present, it is of course valued substantially less. I would exchange the rifle for an exportable bull (to Canada) and would consider non-export for a hell of a hunt with other species. Also very open to Leopard if combined with something interesting and if the value's there.

The rifle is rare, with some very intriguing options, including factory single trigger (mechanical, does not rely on inertia to activate the second barrel), ejectors, and H&H scope mounts it returned to H&H to receive, I don't have the rings but am working on having them made. It is in .375 Flanged Nitro Magnum. I would undertake exporting the rifle, would do the hunt with it, and it would stay with the new owner. Bit of an odd horse trade but a long shot where somebody with a connection on my dream could get arguably the greatest rifle made. Shoot me a message to chat particulars if at all interesting.

WOW nice rifle! What year was it made?

Very interesting and creative proposition I hope you end up with a deal. This has the makings of a great and unusual hunt report

Hell i wish i have a Ellie somewhere...
Very attractive rifle by the way!!!


What lbs Elephant did you had in mind for this swop?

interesting, im curious on its age as well.

-matt

Ardent I hope you can pull this deal off.
All the best moving forward.

Thanks guys it's a long shot but seems a "safe" proposition for me. We'd paper it properly and set it up right. Odds of connecting an exchange are low, but I'd rather do this than sell and book, as if I don't find a hunt I'm not out my Royal, more casual. Feels a little safer than sending out large sums again too. Fun to think, anyhow.

On Ivory weights honestly I'm not fussy and will talk any possibility. I just want the wide open, old world experience and would happily take a smaller bull somewhere wild than a giant somewhere "modernised". I wouldn't honestly seek a weight guarantee just a great experience, what I'm used to for hunt structure here in Northern Canada at home; no promises.

The gun is prewar (the first one), and an early .375 nitro with the "new" revision patent single trigger from that era. There was a pre-375 era single trigger that was inferior as I believe it required the recoil of the first barrel to activate the second. This improved version was designed for obvious reasons on a dangerous game gun.

Angus

The factory single trigger engraving.

Beautiful piece of art. These weapons are timeless.

Very impressive Angus, and I don't just mean the rifle.

After the crap you've been through you're still as keen as though you're going on your first hunt.
I take my hat off to you.

Regarding this deal, I hope you can find someone but I don't like your chances.

I know a few guys in the game with access to Phunts but a trade such as this would be difficult/impossible to swing.
At the end of the day someone has to pay the fees due and very few African P.H's would be in a position to do so, and the ones who could are more than likely "doubled-up" already.

I understand your dream to kill a bull with this rifle but at the end of the day the hunt will stay with you for the rest of your days and there is no shame in selling the gun and doing the hunt with a Walmart issued Remchester.
You'll get proper money for this double if sold on the public market in the U.S.
More than enough to perhaps even do two Trophy hunts or three or more tuskless.

At least that's just my take on it, not trying to tell you what to do, I know you'll understand that.

I hope there is some way you could get some retribution... er, um, I mean compensation, for the debacle that was meant to be your Rhino hunt.

Good luck in your endeavors, your enthusiasm and commitment to the hunt is quite admirable.

Good hunting.

Paul.

Yes sell the rifle in the US!

I absolutely love the Royal Deluxe #2 style engraving pattern on the rifle. I can't understand why you wouldn't ship it to the British auction houses and get top dollar for the gun, then use the proceeds to fund your trips?

Holts would have a much better audience of buyers than us frugal Americans and our hillbilly auction houses that don't typically sell best guns. (exception: Julia)

Bottom line, that is a spectacular gun and I hope it affords you the hunt of your dreams!

I am so sorry this happened to you Ardent. This kind of sh...makes good men do evil things! As has been suggested, use Julia in the U.S. or go British if you are going to auction it. I would love to buy the rifle from you, just way to far above my pay grade.

This may seem like a bit of a crazy idea, but maybe it'll work. First I haven't a clue how much this gun is worth, outside of far more than I can afford. But on first glance it would seem the rifle is worth a lot more than an elephant hunt. And this is going to limit the audience that could afford this rifle.

So here's my idea. Possibly the most well known ele outfitter/PH is Johan Calitz who is now also in business with Ivan Carter. Johan has been working with Tony Makris for a number of years in the production of Under Wild Skies. Tony lives in Virginia if I'm not mistaken. He is also from what I can tell a collector of fine rifles. Perhaps get in contact with Johan and have him contact Tony in regards to this rifle. Negotiate with Tony and if the selling price is more than the hunt cost, pocket the difference and go hunt.

EDIT: Of course you'd negotiate with Tony on hunting with the rifle. I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to make a show out of it.

Something beautiful. Excelent work.
Witold

Beautiful rifle.

All the best in getting a good deal done that works out for you.

PHOENIX PHIL said:

Of course you'd negotiate with Tony on hunting with the rifle. I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to make a show out of it.

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That would be an excellent idea for a show!

Being more realistic, I'll also +1 the idea of selling the rifle and buying something more pedestrian for the hunt. That's guaranteed to work.

I spent good deal of time at DSC negotiating the purchase of a 1922 H&H Royal in 500/465. That was a $65,000 gun. What exactly do you believe this pre war Royal is worth on the open market?

safari-lawyer said:

I spent good deal of time at DSC negotiating the purchase of a 1922 H&H Royal in 500/465. That was a $65,000 gun. What exactly do you believe this pre war Royal is worth on the open market?

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Congratulations.

Would you mind sharing photos of your H&H?

Thanks guys for all the thoughts and points, some excellent ones here and while I'm reading them all, on the road and using my phone will have to get the computer on to reply appropriately,

Angus