Page 394 - 4091-BOOK2

392
LOT 1485
Attractive Factory Masterfully Game Scene Engraved Holland & Holland .500/450 Nitro Express Sidelock Double Rifle - Serial no. 17965, 500/450 cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1894 and 1905 according to Donald Dallas’“Holland & Holland: ‘The Royal’ Gunmaker”. This rifle is constructed with blued steel chopperlump barrels with ramped blade front sight featuring a flip-up moon bead, rear quarter rib with three-leaf (two folding, one standing) rear sight, front sling swivel, and “HOLLAND & HOLLAND 38 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON.” and “WINNERS OF ALL
THE ‘FIELD’ TRIALS, LONDON.” marked on the right and left respectively. The flats are marked with London nitro proofs and later reproofs listing the load as a 480 grain bullet over 70 grains of Cordite in a 3 1/4 inch shell. The casehardened sidelock action displays attractive scroll engraving surrounding a trio of game scenes consisting of a lion poised to strike a wildebeest from the grass on the left, a Bengal tiger preparing to pursue a trio of blackbuck on the right, and the underside displays an elephant standing proud. Either lockplate is signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” with the loading information marked again on the underside as well as a bear engraved on the triggerguard. The rifle features bushed firing pins, gold center-lined cocking indicators, double triggers (front articulated), and an automatic tang mounted safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The rifle is mounted with beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the rotary latch and pistol grip stock with teardrop flats, engraved trapdoor gripcap, shadowline cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, and orange rubber recoil pad. Length of pull 14 inches.
Weight 10 lbs. 7 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, 98% plus professionally reapplied blue finish, strong traces of original case colors on the action, minor softening of the markings, and some minor handling evidence. The stock is also very fine as refurbished with minor marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 15,000 - 20,000