Page 270 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

268
LOT 3447
Factory Engraved Holland & Holland
Royal Deluxe Hand Detachable
Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun
with Case - Serial no. 27996, 12 gauge,
28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish,
walnut stock. Holland & Holland has
long been among the finest makers
of fine arms in the world with this
beautiful piece being an excellent
example. The gun was completed between
1917 and 1919 per Donald Dallas’ “Holland & Holland: ‘The Royal’ Gunmaker” and has later
replacement blued steel barrels featuring a single nickel bead sight on the smooth flat solid rib which has flourishes of scroll engraving
near the breech, single band of engraving at the breech, “HOLLAND & HOLLAND.” marked on the right tube and “13. BRUTON STREET.
LONDON.” on the left, import mark under forend, and London proof marks indicating 2 3/4 inch chambers, with automatic ejectors. The
barrels are fitted to a highly attractive brush bright finished hand detachable sidelock action, which displays extensive floral scroll and
mythological engraving consisting two bestial creatures on either sideplate along with a harpy on the underside. The engraving surrounds
“HOLLAND & HOLLAND” banners on either lockplate, as well as “ROYAL/HAMMERLESS/EJECTOR” marked on the underside and extends to
the triggerguard, both tangs, and the toplever, which is marked “MODELE/DE/LUXE”. The gun features double triggers (front articulated), gold
centerlined cocking indicators, right hand rolled triggerguard, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The gun is mounted
with a finely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and a straight grip stock
with teardrop carved drop points, blank silver inscription shield, and an orange rubber recoil pad. Included is a factory labelled takedown case
containing cleaning tools, a nickel oiler, and a set of nickel snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the
breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .733 inches; choke constriction .012/.006 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.030 inches; 1 3/8
inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 13/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 97%
professionally reapplied blue finish, light
handling evidence and scratches, and
minor freckling on the barrels. The wood is
also very fine with a few minor dings and
scratches, a patch of thinned varnish on
the lower right stock head, and sharp recut
checkering. The case is good with some
wear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500