A rare helmet, two early sniper rifles and the medals awarded to one of the Royal Navy’s greatest gunnery experts surpass expectations
‘SHARPBIDDERS’ CLAIM SHARPSHOOTER RIFLES
A pair of Whitworth Rifles proved a highlight of a recent Wilson55 auction
Known as the most accurate firearm of its generation, the Whitworth was designed by Sir John Whitworth in 1854 and some 13,500 were produced. A single-shot, percussion cap, muzzle-loading rifle firing an unusual .451-calibre hexagonal round, Whitworths had excellent accuracy and were capable of precision well in excess of 1,000 yards – especially when used with a contemporary 4x Davidson telescopic optic.
They are considered by some to be the first true sniper rifles, and Queen Victoria herself proved adept with the Whitworth, hitting 1in from bulls-eye at 400 yards during an early demonstration – although how much of her accuracy was skill and how much was due to the machine rest used is open to debate.
The first Whitworth sold at the Wilson55 sale was an experimental version with a 35in three-band barrel and an overall length of 52¼in. The gun has Birmingham proofmarks, is stamped with the serial number 154 and engraved “Joseph Whitworth Patent”. It f…
