Help decipher an old ledger

[matt85]

I recently purchased an antique rifle and one of the things provided by the seller was a picture of the original ledger from 1895. While some of it is clear, there are bits I can't understand. So, my hope is that you all might help me figure out a bit more about this rifle!

It appears to give the regulating load, but I can't make out exactly what it says. Something along the lines of "10 drams Ro bullet". This could be referring to a round ball over 10 drams of powder, but that is a strange way to say it. Also, from what I've read, an 8 bore round ball was not considered suitable for elephant and the gun is specifically referred to as an elephant rifle.

I see the barrel length (24) and dolls head, as well as a recoil pad. I'm guessing the 50, 100, 150 is flip up sights.

Take a crack at reading this and tell me what you think.

The rifles serial number is 2982:

-Matt

 

[112Savage]

Well, I feel like I can read most of it. But let me just say… don’t google RO Bullet. You won’t find anything about elephant rifles…

 

[TTundra]

Rifles of that period were being regulated with both Round and Conical balls. A few articles written talk about both, even on some other ledgers (Purdey).
I remember this rifle from AH previously. My bet would be it was regulated for Round ball as it may have produced the best groups. That said, a conical load should be able to be made and used.

 

[grand veneur]

For Sale W.J. Jeffery 8-Bore Elephant Rifle Mfg. 1895

Maker: W.J. Jeffery Model: Underlever Hammer Express, Doll's head 3rd fastener, Jones underlever, Sling swivel eyes, Rebounding hammers. Gauge / Caliber: 8-Bore (.840) 3.5” Serial #: 2982 Country of Origin: England Year of Mfg.: Mfg. 21st of October 1895 Barrels: 24” Weight: 16 lbs. 10...

www.africahunting.com

 

[zephyr]

I'm thinking that that 10 drams RO is the type of Black Powder

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I'm thinking that that 10 drams RO is the type of Black Powder

And the "O" is likely for ordinance. So what is the "R"? Hmm. Raj?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

And the "O" is likely for ordinance. So what is the "R"? Hmm. Raj?

I suspect RO is probably short for ROF = Royal Ordinance Factories. The ROF gunpowder factory was in Waltham Abbey, Essex England and dates back to the 16th century.

 

[matt85]

Rifles of that period were being regulated with both Round and Conical balls. A few articles written talk about both, even on some other ledgers (Purdey).
I remember this rifle from AH previously. My bet would be it was regulated for Round ball as it may have produced the best groups. That said, a conical load should be able to be made and used.

That makes sense, "Ro bullet" could just be shorthand for "round bullet" which could mean a ball.

I'm thinking that that 10 drams RO is the type of Black Powder

This is also an option, but "10 drams Ro (powder) bullet" wouldn't make much sense.

For Sale W.J. Jeffery 8-Bore Elephant Rifle Mfg. 1895

Maker: W.J. Jeffery Model: Underlever Hammer Express, Doll's head 3rd fastener, Jones underlever, Sling swivel eyes, Rebounding hammers. Gauge / Caliber: 8-Bore (.840) 3.5” Serial #: 2982 Country of Origin: England Year of Mfg.: Mfg. 21st of October 1895 Barrels: 24” Weight: 16 lbs. 10...

www.africahunting.com

That is indeed the rifle I bought! I'm expecting to take delivery of it in another week or so. Currently I'm working on putting together loading supplies in order to be able to shoot it.

-Matt

 

[zephyr]

Enlarging the ledger the RO looks more like an RI which might mean Rifle Bullet as the 8 Bore was loaded with a Rifle Bullet, a Parodox Bullet or Ball

 

[TTundra]

Here's an image from the H&H ledger calling for specifically a "conical" bullet in a 10 bore paradox gun. Not that it answers the question, but the nomenclature certainly doesn't make it appear it was a conical bullet in this 8 bores ledger.