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LOT 3399
Fine Engraved Holland & Holland .375 (Nitro Express) “Royal” Double Barrel Sidelock Rifle
- Serial no. 17781, 375 cal., 26 inch bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in circa 1904, this rifle features
blued chopperlump barrels with single extractor, respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON”
and “WINNERS OF ALL THE “FIELD” RIFLE TRIALS, LONDON”, import mark on the rib below the forearm, and engraved with a band of stylised foliage
at the breech ends. Sunken concave rib with matted ramp mounted bead front sight, file cut matted quarter rib with express sight of one standing notch
sight and two folding leaves graduated to 300 yards. Casehardened treble grip action engraved “THE ROYAL HAMMERLESS” on the underside and with back-action sidelocks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, with blued removable firing pin bushings and automatic safety
with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Furniture comprising trigger guard and pistol grip cap with hinged trap cover. The whole engraved with fine deep cut bold scrollwork. The underside of the barrels
LOT 3400
Rare Engraved Watson Bros. 12 B
ore Double Barrel Boxlock Ejector
216
and water table struck with London nitro (Cordite) proof marks.
Figured 15 inch walnut pistol grip stock including orange
rubber recoil pad, with panels of fine multipoint checkering to
the grip and forearm, the latter with Anson button release. The
underside of the butt with sling mount and blank gold oval initial
escutcheon, and the corresponding sling mount is fitted beneath the barrels. Weight 9 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Very good as professionally refinished, retaining near 100% renewed deep blue finish to the barrels,
very slight traces of casehardening to the action. Engraving is crisp. Barrel signatures recut. Replacement stock is good. Forearm wood original, and over horns
lifting slightly. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
Dangerous Game Rifle with Case - Serial no. 7869, 12 cal., 28 inch bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Completed in circa 1917, this rare 12 bore double rifle features blued barrels cut with deep grooves and with sunken concave rib rising to a ramp bearing the bead front sight, file cut matted quarter rib with rear sight of three folding leaves graduated to 150 yards and each
with platinum inlaid center line, import mark on the rib below the forearm, and each tube engraved with a band of stylised foliage at the breech end and respectively signed “WATSON BROS.” and “29, OLD BOND ST., LONDON”. Casehardened treble grip action signed “WATSON BROS.” on each side, and with blued toplever, automatic safety with silver inlaid “SAFE”, and blued cover plate. Engraved with classic English scrollwork throughout. Figured semi- pistol grip stock with grooved dark horn heel-plate, and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with Anson push button release. Birmingham nitro reproof marks. In fitted brass cornered leather case lined in red baize, the lid with printed Watson Bros. trade label, the exterior named to “C.A. RAVN/THE RIFLE BRIGADE”. Stock measurements: 1 1/2 drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 4 oz. CONDITION: Very good. The barrels retain near 100% reblued finish with slightly softened rib signature. Rifling is deep and sharp. Reproof marks for 70 mm (2 3/4 inch) chambers, although the chambers appear to be 65 mm (2 1/2 inch). Action retains 30% faded original casehardened finish with clear engraving. The toplever, cover plate and trigger guard each have traces of original blued finish. Stock has been reoiled with well-defined checkering and only occasional minor storage and handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent. The case has a pleasing aged patina to the exterior; the handle and straps have been replaced. The interior has been relined and refitted. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500