GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
PRISTINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND "ROYAL" EJECTOR .577 NE DOUBLE RIFLE IN MAKER'S CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, MADE FOR NATHANIEL C. NASH, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. IN 1909.HOLLAND & HOLLANDROYAL RIFLE19284577 NEW/CASE, ACCESSMODERN; C&R; ESACal. .577 3" NE (650 grain bullet) Made just before the 750 grain loading became available, this superb condition rifle has 26" chopper lump bbls fitted with file cut H & H style quarter rib with one standing, two folding leaf express sight with ivory triangle inset in standing leaf. Matching front ramp is fitted with enamel bead and flip-up night sight. Orig sight protector is in place. 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 80 grains cordite and 650 grain bullet. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, case hardened action with slightly rounded bar, is fitted with hand detachable back locks in usual double rifle manner. Top strap extends over comb, and is fitted with folding peep sight which nestles into recess in strap. Action also features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, disc set strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). This rifle was made in 1909, which coincides with the appearance of the Holland & Holland detachable lock system, and is so fitted. Action and locks are engraved in classic Holland & Holland house style with full coverage varying sized open shaded scroll with strapwork highlights surrounding "Holland & Holland" in usual H&H arched device on each lockplate. Fences have semi-relief carved acanthus. Bottom of action is engraved "Charge" "80 Grains cordite" ".577" "Case 3 Inches". Blued top lever is engraved "Royal Ejector" and trigger guard is engraved with open non-shaded scroll with SN on tang which extends to case hardened trap steel grip cap (spare fore sight in trap). Superbly stump figured and lightly marbled European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over orig Silver pad. Stock features classic Holland styling, with drop points, point pattern checkering at grip which has reverse curve to rear line, and superbly sculpted right hand shadow line cheekpiece. A sling loop matching that on bbls and a gold oval engraved with monogram "NCN" are on toe line. Matching splinter "AB" ejector forend has forward pivoting lever release. Drop at heel: approx 3-7/16", drop at comb: approx 2-1/16"-. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 12 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion is lined in scarlet cloth, and has dust divider between lid and bottom compartment. Gold embossed H&H label as well as charge card for this particular rifle, is in lid. Bottom compartment contains an assemblage of orig accessories French-fitted including 3 horn handled turnscrews marked Holland & Holland, and a horn handled striker key, H&H marked round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, pull through cleaning kit in black morocco wallet, lace on leather muzzle protector, carrying sling, broken case extractor, and wood covered steel cleaning rod, with two brushes in covered compartment which also contains two keys. PROVENANCE: Nathaniel Cushing Nash; Nathaniel Cushing Jr.; The prestigious personal collection of 4-time Oscar-winning Visual Effects Icon, Richard Edlund; Special Gold Medal winner at first CA Side-by-Side Society Concours d'Elegance of Fine Guns in 2000; Copy of factory ledger pages, including shooting report, and indicating rifle was finished in July 1909. CONDITION: Essentially as new, appears unfired since proof, with only the faintest handling and assembly marks in all wood and metal surfaces. Wood of butt has shrunk a bit and plate of pad is proud. Bores are excellent. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is still light in color, has a few bumps and rubs. (Still creaks when case is opened.) Straps and handle are fine. Interior cloth is excellent with compressions and rubs. Labels and accessories are excellent. An incredible, essentially unfired, big game rifle. The 650 grain loading remained popular for many years, as rifles could be built at a convenient carrying weight, and still deliver impressive "knock-out" power to the largest beasts on the planet. 53184-2 mgm173 (65,000-95,000)