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LOT 3465
Factory Engraved Holland & Holland Sidelever No. 2
Sidelock Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 20977, 12 gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Built with blued steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave
solid rib which is signed “BARRELS MADE FOR HOLLAND
& HOLLAND GUN No. 20977” along with a “2” at the base,
light engraving at the breech, import mark under the
forend, 1976 dated London proof marks and 2019 dated
Birmingham proof marks on the flats, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with
automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a coin finished No. 2 sidelock action which displays attractive
classic scroll engraving surrounding “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” signatures on either lockplate and “PATENT/
EJECTOR” marked on the underside before continuing onto the triggerguard, sidelever, and both tangs with a
gold “2” on the upper. The gun features double triggers, gold centerlined cocking indicators, and a tang mounted
automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is fitted with an attractively figured and multi-point
checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and a gold “2” on the shoe as well as a straight grip stock with teardrop carved
drop points, a blank silver inscription oval, and a checkered bare butt. The included factory record from Holland & Holland confirms the current action type and gauge when the gun was completed
on September 23, 1903, for a Mr. “Caton Hayh”. Caton Hayh is actually George Henry Caton Haigh, the famous ornithologist and avid huntsman who, among his many honors, was the High Sheriff of
Lincolnshire appointed in 1912. Also included is a document from the consignor stating that the gun was purchased by him and subsequently sent to Mike Birch, Holland & Holland barrel maker to strip,
resolder, reblue, and lengthen the chambers before sending it to reproof. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech proofed at 18.4/18.5mm (.724/.728 inches) and
measured .726/.728 inches; choke constriction .002/.017 inches; minimum wall thickness .038/.039 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 97% plus blue finish with much of the loss at the lower tang, attractive silver patina on the action, some areas showing minor pitting, minor handling
evidence, and crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
LOT 3466
Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Westley Richards 28 Gauge Boxlock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case
- Serial no. 2145, 28 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. The gun is built
with blued steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked “WESTLEY
RICHARDS & Co. ENGLAND” as well as a flourish of scroll engraving, a single band of engraving at the breech, 1985 dated
Birmingham proof marks, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened boxlock
action which displays scroll engraving surrounding “WESTLEY RICHARDS” signatures on either side and a trio of gold inlaid
game scenes consisting of a pair of grouse on the left, a pair of woodcocks on the right, and a quail on the underside. The gun
features a single trigger, a right hand rolled triggerguard, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator.
The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved fitting and an Anson button release
and a straight grip stock with a checkered bare butt. Included is an oak & leather takedown case, a pair of nickel snap caps, and
cleaning tools. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured
.551 inches; choke constriction .004/.019 inches; 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 1 15/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull;
weight 5 lbs. 15 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, a few
light scratches on the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000