Holland & Holland have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed on 12 February 1903 for Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. A similar rifle was used by President T. Roosevelt on his 1909 safari. Rifle No. 19109 was presented to the President in 1909 by the leading statesmen, sportsmen and clergy of England; this rifle was the most powerful Roosevelt ever used and is a fitting accompaniment to one of the President's most famous quips:- 'Walk softly and carry a big stick'. The great elephant hunter and photographer Fletcher Jamieson was also greatly impressed by this calibre and left a remarkable testement to its powers when he wrote the following about his own Holland & Holland .500/.450, No. 17892:- 'This rifle, No. 17892 .500/.450 has been one of my best friends. She has pulled me through many an encounter with Elephants, Rhino and Buffaloe (sic). She is one of the most accurate rifles in the world and since being in my hands has achieved a very fine record.... Who-ever may be the proud possessor of this rifle after I am finished with it please treasure it for my sake'