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LOT 1329
Factory Engraved Holland & Holland Dominion Grade 3 Back Action
Sidelock Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun
with Case and Factory Documents - Serial no. 20687, 12
gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brush bright finish, walnut
stock. Blued steel barrels with a single steel bead sight on
the smooth concave solid rib which shows a flourish of floral scroll at the
breech end, barrels marked “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “33. BRUTON STREET. LONDON.” on the right and left respectively, single band of engraving
at either breech, 1987 dated London proofs, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The brush silver finished back action sidelock action displays beautifully executed English scroll
engravings with some of the pins and screws showing a lovely nitre blue. The lockplates show more of the fine scroll
engraving along with “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” at the bottom on either side. The engraving extends to the toplever,
both tangs, and the triggerguard. The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety switch
with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the
Deeley latch release and straight grip stock with “A.R.W.” in a gold inscription oval and checkered bare butt. Included
with the lot is the latest sale invoice from Holland & Holland and copies of factory ledgers including information stating that this gun was completed in 1899, rebarreled in 1954, and finally had an extra set of barrels built in 1987, which appear to be the barrels on the gun at current. Also included is a leather bound takedown case containing cleaning tools and a nickel oiler. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .728 inches and measured .729/.728 inches; choke constriction .035/.035 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.036 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; cast-off: weight 6 lbs 8 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as factory restocked and rebarreled, retaining 98% plus blue and attractive brush bright finishes, scattered light handling evidence, small white spot on the underside of the stock near the toe, and sharp checkering on the forend and stock. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 10,000 - 18,000
LOT 1330
Fine Engraved Early Holland & Holland 12
Bore ‘Royal’ Double Barrel Side Lock Ejector Hammerless Shotgun with
Extra Barrel and Case - Serial no. 12455, 12 Bore cal., 30 inch bbl., brown/ casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock.
This rare two barrel set was manufactured in circa 1889. Each set
of barrels of fine browned Damascus twist and each numbered
“2” in gold on the raised concave rib, London reproof marks dated 2005. Casehardened
treble grip action signed “THE ROYAL PATENT/SAFETY/HAMMERLESS EJECTOR”, with blued
toplever numbered “2” in gold and engraved “HOLLAND/&/HOLLAND/PATENT/NO. 23”, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, patent
gas check grooves to the face of the action, and dipped edge locks with blued pins and screw heads, each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, and blued trigger guard. Best quality bouquet and scroll engraving throughout. Well figured straight hand stock with checkered grip and forearm, leather covered recoil pad, and the underside of the butt with blank silver initial escutcheon. In brass cornered leather case with some accessories, the lid with trade label and instructions. Barrel (R/L) and stock measurements: chambers proofed and measured at 2 3/4”; bores proofed at 18.6 (.732) and measured at .732/.734; chokes measured at .037/.037; minimum barrel wall thickness at .028/.027; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.; length of pull 15 5/8 inches.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrels retain nearly all of the rebrowned finish with clear signatures. Action and locks each retaining faded traces of original casehardened finish, engraving fine and
sharp, some scattered light flecks of corrosion marking throughout. Trigger guard and toplever retaining nearly all their reblued finish. The refinished stock has light handling marks, checkering sharp,
possible small crack in the grain visible to right side of wrist. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000 255