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According to "Paradox The Story of Col. G.V. Fosbery, Holland & Holland, and the Paradox" by Baker and Lake, only thirty seven 10-Bore hammerless actions are recorded as Paradox, of which only eight are Number 3 actions.
LOT 3603
Factory Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Holland & Holland 10 Bore Sidelock Ejector “Paradox” Double Rifle - Serial no.
15433, 10 gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
circa 1895-1900. Blued steel barrels with beaded blade
and flip up disk front sights, fixed rear 50 meter sight on the raise quarter rib, single extractor, period
London proofs, and “HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND STREET LONDON.” and “’PARADOX’ FOSBERY’S
PATENT.” marked on the right and left barrels respectively. The casehardened receiver and sidelocks display fine border scroll engraving with game scenes on either
lockplate. The left shows a lion in pursuit of a gazelle and the right shows a Bengal tiger. “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” is inlaid in gold on either lockplate and the left side
of the receiver is marked with the load data “CHARGE 8 DRAMS BRASS CASE 2 7/8 INCHES”. The gun features double triggers, bushed firing pins, and tang mounted
manual safety. Beautifully figured , multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the rotary latch release and pistol grip stock with horn grip
cap and blued scroll engraved toe and heel caps over the checkered butt. This gun was built as one of just eight total 10 bore hammerless No. 3 backaction guns built
per page 201 of David Baker and Roger Lake’s “Paradox: The Story of Col. G. V. Fosbery, Holland & Holland, and the Paradox” making it an incredibly rare find. Barrel and stock
measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at (.803 inches) and both measured at .808 inches; rifled “Paradox” chokes; 14 7/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 12 lbs 8 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% plus professionally reapplied blue finish, with 99% of the re-casehardened colors, scattered areas of minor oxidation, and minor handling evidence. The replacement wood is also very fine with a few light scratches and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Don’t miss out on this chance to own this incredibly rare Paradox gun!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 3604
Factory Engraved Army & Navy C.S.L. 12 Bore Boxlock “The Jungle Gun” Double
Barrel Shot & Ball Gun - Serial no. 48308, 12 cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
between 1905-1909 per the information given on page 98 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Blued steel barrels with beaded blade front sight, two
folding leaf rear sight on the raised rear quarter rib, “THE JUNGLE GUN” marked on the rib, “ARMY & NAVY” and “C.S.L. LONDON” marked on the left and right respectively, and chambers with a single
extractor. The barrels have shallow straight rifling down the length that begins a slight twist at the last three inches, which was done as a way to circumvent Fosbery’s “Paradox” patent while achieving a very similar effect. The casehardened boxlock action displays scroll engraving and “ARMY & NAVY C.S.L.” signatures on either side and features double triggers, bushed firing pins, and a tang mounted automatic safety switch. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings and pistol grip stock with tear drop carved drop points, shadowline cheekpiece, blued steel grip cap, and Pachmayr Old English recoil pad. Length of pull 14 5/16 inches. Weight 7 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% professionally reapplied blue finish, traces of original case colors with the balance a fine silver patina, some thinning at the left breech, and minor handling evidence. The replacement wood is also very fine, with a few minor scratches and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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