GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
HOLLAND & HOLLAND "ROYAL" HAMMERLESS .375 EXPRESS DOUBLE RIFLE WITH ORIGINAL CASE.HOLLAND & HOLLANDEXPRESS DBL RIFLE19302375 FLANGEDMODERN; C&R; ESA(ca 1901) Cal. .375/ 2-1/2" Flanged. 26" Chopper lump steel bbls are fitted with file cut quarter rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight with matching ramp holding ivory bead front with flip-up "moon" bead. Tops of bbls are engraved "Holland & Holland 98. New Bond Street, London." and "Winners of All The "Field" Rifle Trials London." Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 40 grains cordite and 270 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs. Case hardened "Royal" sidelock action is stocked to the fences and features back action locks for added strength to action bar, extended top strap which runs over top of comb, automatic bolted safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, hidden third fastener, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with near full coverage interplay of large open shaded scroll and strapwork highlights. Fences have large shaded scroll, deeply cut. Lockplates have more of the scrolled strapwork in an unusual design, only found on Holland guns of this vintage. "Holland & Holland" is in scroll flanked device at the front of each lockplate. Bottom of action is engraved "The Royal Hammerless". Matching scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang which extends to engraved steel grip cap with trap holding spare front sight and strikers. Beautifully marbled and lightly stump figured dense European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over leather faced Silver type pad, and features classic H&H shaped shadow line cheekpiece, drop points, and flat top point pattern checkering at grip. Front portion of toe line is stamped with Kenyan registration numbers, and a gold oval is engraved "EIW". A sling eye is installed toward rear. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/4", drop at comb: approx 1-7/8". Cast is 1/4" on. Weight: 9 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". Orig green canvas brown leather trimmed case with central brass medallion, has screwed on plaque embossed "E. I. WOODBURY CHICAGO ILLINOIS". Interior is lined in reddish cloth with large paper H&H label as well as charge card for this particular rifle, in lid. Case contains a wood covered steel cleaning rod with swivel head, two H&H marked turnscrews, H&H marked round oil bottle, carrying sling, grease bottle, small leather wallet with spare front sights (one ivory), pair of snap caps, and four boxes of five, correct ammunition for this rifle by Kynoch, in red and yellow boxes. CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain essentially all of a high quality re-black over some minor marks and dings. Action and locks retain traces, perhaps 10%, orig case hardening color, mostly cleaned to a pleasing pewter gray. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish with a few subsequent light marks, sharp edges slightly softened, checkering lightly worn and has not been re-cut. Bores are excellent with strong sharp rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Case is a bit tattered, with some trim detached. Handle missing. Old straps are good. Interior cloth is soiled and compressed from contact with rifle and bbls. Labels are soiled and foxed. Accessories are good. A lovely early cordite rifle made seven years before the advent of the magnum loading, but is a great choice for moose and bear. 51559-1 MGM96 (30,000-50,000)