GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
FINE CONDITION EARLY CENTERFIRE HOWDAH PISTOL BY H. HOLLAND WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES. H. HOLLAND SXS HOWDAH PISTOL 1344 .577 SNYDER IVORY (ca 1867) Cal. .577 Snyder. 9" Dovetailed bbls are engraved "H. Holland. 98. New Bond Street. London." on narrow rib. Bbl flats are stamped with SN, and bottoms of bbls with London black powder proofs. Round bodied Jones underlever action is marked with a "B" over patent, and "557" on water table. Peninsula back locks are mounted with flat bodied, short nosed hammers with tall spurs, and with back sliding safeties that engage at half cock. Each lockplate is engraved "H. Holland" in scrolled band. Trigger guard tang extends to plain horn grip cap. Grip is nearly fully checkered. Short splinter forend attaches to bbls with captive side nail through oval steel escutcheons. Newly made oak case with circular central brass medallion and pivoting hook closure is lined in purple velvet, and has reproduction H. Holland label in lid. Case contains a number of beautifully made ivory handled accessories including cleaning rod, three turnscrews, striker key, powder measure, dusting brush, and striker bottle. "Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory" for accessories was sourced from legally trophy hunted tusk supplied by consignor. Other accessories include brass side pour mold for .582 diameter solid bullet, steel wad punch, and a small newly made pewter oil bottle. Covered compartment contains mops and brush, as well as the key. PROVENANCE: Copy of orig ledger entry, stating pistol was made for Capt. Arbuthnot, and that it was "new double central fire pistol". Invoices from Holland & Holland, and import papers. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbls retain nearly all of a London quality re-black. Action and locks retain 40 - 50% orig case hardening color, faded overall and with some flecking. Safeties retain most of their orig fire blue. Trigger guard retains over 90% of a new charcoal blue. Stocks retain most of their orig oil finish, checkering slightly worn. Bores are fine, shiny, with some pitting, mostly in right bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. Right safety works, left is a bit gummy. Newly made case is excellent, has some checks in lid. Interior cloth is excellent, as are new accessories. Old mold is very fine, cleaned and polished. 49958-5 MGM74 (4,500-7,500)