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LOT 488
Factory Engraved Boss & Co. Self-
Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 8565, 12
gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1936 and 1939 according to the chart on page 102 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Blued steel chopperlump barrels with a single bead sight on the
smooth concave solid rib which shows the remnants of a factory address as well as a gold “1” and scroll flourish, correct era London nitro proofs including the 2 1/2 inch chambers which are equipped with ejectors. The casehardened self-opening
sidelock action displays beautiful Purdey style bouquet & scroll engraving covering nearly all of the surfaces as well as both locks being signed “BOSS & Co.”
The engraving extends to the triggerguard, both tangs, and the toplever which is marked with a gold “1”. The gun features bushed firing pins, gold centered cocking indicators, double triggers, right hand rolled triggerguard, and tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release which is marked with another gold “1”, and straight grip stock with “C.C.” in the inscription oval and a checkered bare butt. Includes a wood and leather takedown case with Boss & Co. interior label, two pairs of snap caps, and cleaning tools. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .737/.735 inches; choke constriction .005/.038 inches; minimum wall thickness .022/.025 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 1 13/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 99% reapplied blue finish on the barrels with faint markings, some thinned blue left on the triggerguard, silver patina on the action and locks, and overall mild handling evidence. The wood is fine with a few light dings and scratches and partially smoothed checkering with the balance well-defined. The case is very good. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
LOT 489
Fine Factory Engraved Holland & Holland Royal Grade Side Lock Double Barrel 16 Gauge Shotgun with Case -
Serial no. 27730, 16 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. An iconic manufacturer of fine sporting arms since 1835, Holland
& Holland are world renowned for the incredible detail and craftsmanship put into every firearm they produce. Manufactured circa 1912-1913. There is
masterfully executed tight floral and vine scroll engraving on the lock plates, receiver, break lever, trigger guard/lower tang, forearm hardware and on the breech end of the rib. The blue solid rib barrels are marked “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “98 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON” on the right and left barrels respectively. With a single blue steel bead sight, 2 1/2 inch chambers and choked improved modified/improved modified with automatic ejectors. The frame, side plates, forearm latch, hinge, trigger guard and tangs all feature masterfully executed, tight, highly detailed floral and scroll engraving. The hand detachable sidelocks feature cocking indicators with gold indicator bars. The left plate is fitted with the knurled and engraved lock plate screw marked “HOLLAND’S/PATENT” in two lines. The blue break lever is similarly marked “HOLLAND’S PATENT”. The barrels, forearm, side locks and lower tang are all numbered to the frame. The barrel flats are marked with standard British nitro, and viewing proofs. The water table is marked with the standard “crown/V” London viewing proof, serial number and “HOLLAND’S PATENT”. The underside of the frame is marked “ROYAL/HAMMERLESS/EJECTOR” Mounted on a very nicely figured multi-point checkered English walnut splinter forearm and straight grip stock with tear drop flats, double triggers, tang mounted thumb safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” marking, gold initial oval on the underside of the stock marked “C.G.” and a leather covered rubber recoil pad. The included takedown case has a nylon cover and contains a set of snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at “16” (.662 inches) and both measured .669 inches; choke constriction .022/.026 inches; minimum wall thickness .021/.021 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 1 oz. CONDITION: Good. The barrels retain 60% refinished blue finish with areas of heavy oxidation and slightly softened barrel markings on the balance. The frame retains 70% of the original casehardened finish with areas of surface oxidation and crisp engraving. The wood is very fine as lightly refreshed with very minimal handling marks, crisp checkering, and attractive grain and figuring. Mechanically excellent. The case is excellent. Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000