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LOT 1147
Exceptional Cased, Engraved,
H. Holland Retailer Marked
Tipping & Lawden Model
2 Sharps Patent Four
Barrel Pepperbox
Pistol - Serial no. 1177,
30 RF cal., 3 inch fluted
bbl., blue/silver finish,
gutta percha grips. This
Model 2 is one of around
4,000 manufactured by
Tipping & Lawden under
license from Sharps. This
example is in outstanding
condition and has nearly
full coverage engraving on
the frame and smooth
bottom sections. It also
has an “H. Holland 98
New Bond St. London”
retailer marking
inscribed on top of
the barrel and faintly
visible manufacture
name and patent
marking on the left
side of the frame
around the hammer
screw due to the
extensive engraving.
The matching serial
number is found on
the bottom of the
high polish blued
barrel group, front
of the silver-plated
frame, and on the
grip/butt strap. The grips are the
classic acanthus scrollwork embossed gutta
percha type seen on Tipping & Lawden
Sharps pistols and are also numbered to the
gun on the back sides. It has post and notch
sights and small English proofs on the sides
of the barrel group in the flutes. It comes in
a nicely figured hardwood case with English fitted interior and a bore rod. Harris Holland was a talented live
pigeon shooter and founded the famous gunmaking firm that ultimately became Holland & Holland officially
in 1835 when he began selling guns from the trade. It was known as H. Holland until 1876 when Henry
W. Holland, his nephew and a former apprentice in the firm, became a full partner. Harris Holland retained
significant control of the company until his death in 1896.
CONDITION: Excellent, 98% bright blue and silver finish remains, and even the
hammer retains virtually all of the original case colors. The silver plated frame
has attractive natural aged patina, crisp engraving, and minor marks. The
barrels have some slight scratches, minor patination on the bright
finished muzzles, and mottled patina on the breech. The grips are
very good with mild handling wear, aged tones, and minor edge
wear. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with mild storage
wear including some tears and stains on the lining (the latter
mostly from adhesive from a now absent trade label) and some
cracking in the lid. This is a very interesting and extremely
attractive example of both American ingenuity and British
craftsmanship and is certain to figure prominently in either an
American or European based fine arms collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000