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LOT 1481
Impressive and Rare Cased Engraved Holland & Holland Single Barrel 4-Bore Percussion Duck or “Punt” Gun Made for The Chisholm of Chisholm - Serial no. 5376, 4 bore gauge, 40 3/4 inch round bbl., brown/nickel finish, walnut stock. This impressive 4-bore shotgun by Holland & Holland, dating to 1879, is identified in Norman R. Blank’s notes as made for The Chisholm of Chisholm and also includes a “GOLD MEDAL/CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE OF FINE GUNS” certificate filled out with Blank’s name and stating the gun was made for The Chisholm of Chisholm. The silver escutcheon on the bottom of the stock has the clan motto “FEROS FERIO” over the Chisholm crest and the initials “R.D.M.C.” in Gothic script. These are the initials of Roderick Donald Matheson Chisholm of Chisholm (1862-1887), the 28th chief of Clan Chisholm in the brief period of 1885-1887. He also served as a lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders.
The smoothbore Damascus barrel has a bead front sight, signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98 NEW BOND ST, LONDON” towards the breech within a scroll engraved border, and the serial number and London black powder proof marks struck on the underside of the breech. The serial number is also struck inside the forearm. The breech, lock, and mounts are nickel-plated with scroll and foliate engraving. The lock is signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND.” The trigger-plate finial is a stylized pineapple. The walnut stock has checkering on the forearm and wrist, a dark horn forearm cap, a recoil pad and 13 3/4 inch length of pull. The gun weighs in at approximately 17 lbs. The original wood ramrod with brass tip and covered worm is fitted under the barrel.
The oak and leather takedown case has royal blue lining, a trade label inside the lid (see Donald Dallas, “Holland & Holland: ‘The Royal’ Gunmaker”, p. 343), a loading data label listing “Ordinary Charge/7 1/2 Drams No. 8 Powder/3 ounces shot/Charge for wire Cartridge/8 Drams No. 8 Powder/Cartridge weighing 2 1/2 ounces,” and a variety of loading and maintenance equipment, including a very good Sykes leather wrapped powder flask.
CONDITION: Very fine with 95% period applied brown finish and distinct Damascus twist patterns visible along the barrel, mostly bright period, possibly retailer applied nickel- plated finish to the breech, lock, and mounts with some areas of light patina, generally minimal age and storage related wear, and crisp engraving and markings. Minor rust staining on the bottom edge of the breech. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, smooth oil finish, and mostly minor bruising and scratches with two deeper bruises within the checkering on the forearm. The recoil pad has hardened, and the forearm cap has a couple of minor insect bites. Mechanically excellent. The case is fair with age and storage related wear, interior badly deteriorated, with torn/detached straps. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fine Holland & Holland 4-bore identified to the 28th chief of Clan Chisholm. Provenance: The Roderick Donald Matheson Chisholm Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000