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LOT 486
Factory
Engraved
and Gold Inlaid
Bespoke True Pair of Holland & Holland Modele De-Luxe Self-
Opening Hand Detachable Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns with Cases
and Documentation -A) Engraved Holland & Holland Modele-De-Luxe Sidelock
Shotgun - Serial no. 36783, 12 gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., black/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Built with steel chopperlump barrels featuring dual steel bead sights on the raised flat matted
rib which is marked at the base with a gold inlaid “1”, barrels marked “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “13, BRUTON
STREET, LONDON.” on the right and left respectively, chambers marked and measured at 2 3/4 inches with automatic
ejectors, and chokes marked “IMP CYL”/”1/4”. The barrels have single bands of floral scroll engraving at either breech and the
under rib is marked “Modele de Luxe” ahead of the forend. The casehardened, self-opening, hand detachable sidelock action features
“HOLLAND & HOLLAND” banners on either lock, carved fences, and three game scenes all surrounded by beautiful scrollwork. The game scenes
consist of a pointer in a field on the left lock, a pair of setters near a pond on the right, and a setter holding a pheasant in his mouth on the underside.
The barrel release lever is also engraved and is marked with a gold inlaid “1” as well as “MODELE/-DE-/LUXE”. The gun features H&H’s single trigger that selects
the left barrel by pushing it forward and tang mounted manual safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautiful, highly figured, exhibition grade, multi-point flat-top checkered
walnut splinter forend with engraved fittings, gold inlaid “1” at the tip, and Anson button release. The straight stock with diamond shaped hand is of equal quality and beauty
and features the same checkering, tear drop carved flats, gold inlaid “RPM” on the underside, and finely checkered bare butt. The gun includes a fine leather wrapped oak case
with “RICHARD P. MELLON” stamped in the lid and a full compliment of cleaning supplies. Richard P. Mellon was a respected philanthropist and conservationist throughout his life
until his passing in July 2020. He is said to have done more for land conservation in the United States than any other single private citizen while running the Richard King Mellon
Foundation for 28 years. His family is well known for his father, Richard King Mellon, a founding member of Carnegie-Mellon University. The gun comes with documentation of
the original ordering of this pair in 1965. Also included are copies of correspondence between Elliot Coyle (the dealer who ordered the guns on Mellon’s behalf) and Holland &
Holland’s Malcolm Lyell on the specifics of the guns as well as Mr. Mellon himself writing to report an issue with the trigger mechanisms which was quickly resolved.
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