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LOT 3456
Very Rare Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Holland & Holland
Jones Underlever Back Action Hammer Double Rifle in .577 Black
Powder Express with Case - Serial no. 8178, 577 BPE cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl.,
blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Holland & Holland is among the
best fine arms makers in the world with a history stretching back nearly 200
illustrious years. This fine rifle was completed circa 1884. According to a letter
addressed to Norman Blank from Westley Richards & Co. Ltd., it was purchased
out of Hyderabad, India, around 1965. It was purchased by Mr. Blank in 1967. This
rifle has blued barrels (very likely Damascus) with a beaded blade front sight (with
flip-up moon bead) and a three leaf (one standing, two folding) rear sight on the smooth solid rib which is signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98
NEW BOND STREET LONDON W” inlaid and surrounded with gold, gold scroll flourishes at the breech, front sling swivel, London proof marks, and
chambers with an extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened Jones Patent underlever rebounding back action sidelock hammer double
rifle which displays beautifully executed gold inlaid floral scroll engraving with bestial heads on either lockplate. The engraving and gold continue
onto the hammers, the lower tang, the extended upper tang, and the underlever completing the elegant adornments of the rifle. The rifle features
double triggers and rebounding hammers. The rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved and gold
inlaid fittings including the Rigby style forend release lever and a pistol grip stock with a shadowline cheekpiece, gold stock escutcheon with
“SJ” monogram, rear sling swivel, and a Silvers recoil pad. Included with the rifle is an oak and leather case marked “S. ABDUL HAL./NAMPALLI
HYDERABAD” on the lid and containing a Holland & Holland trade label and an assortment of loading tools. Length of pull 15 3/8 inches. Weight
11 lbs. 14 oz.