October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
(ca 1895) With its deeply rifled choke, the Paradox was so named because of its unusual ability to shoot both ball and shot efficiently. Large bore Paradox guns, like this example, were found to be quite effective on dangerous game. This gun is built to fire a large charge of powder and a heavy bullet. Its 27" dovetailed barrels are engraved with Holland & Holland New Bond Street address, and "PARADOX" "Fosbery Patent" on tops. Barrels are fitted with file cut quarter rib holding one standing leaf express rear sight and front base with small silver and flip-up brass moon beads. Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2 oz bullet. "R. CHOKE", and for ten bore with long chamber. (Factory records indicate a possible re-barreling with regulation for 55 grains cordite in 1904.) Provisional proofs are on bottoms of barrels, and serial number is on heavy reinforced splinter. "H 2777" is on bottom of right barrel. A large sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Round bodied, case hardened robust Jones underlever action has top strap extending over comb. Action is fitted with peninsula rebounding back spring locks with flat faced serpentine hammers with stylized dolphin heads. Action and locks are engraved with geometric and line borders. "Holland & Holland" is on each lockplate. Left side of action is engraved "Charge 8 Drams Brass Case 2 - 7/8 Inches". Steel trigger guard has serial number on tang, and extends to horn grip cap. Dense lightly marbled and somewhat fiddle figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/2" over black Pachmayr white line pad. Stock features low rounded nose to comb, which was often done by Holland's at this time, along with shadow line right hand cheekpiece, flat top point pattern checkering at grip, and a vacant gold oval along with sling loop matching that on barrels, on toe line. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting lever release. CONDITION: Fine. Barrels retain approximately 90% of what appears to be their original blue. Action and locks retain 30-40% original case hardening color. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their original oil finish with added oil as maintenance over the years. There is evidence of refinishing at rear of butt, contemporary with installation of pad, toe slightly rounded over. Checkering is somewhat worn. Bores are exceptionally fine with no visible imperfections. Rifled choke is sharp and shiny. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Locks are excellent. A nicely balanced big bore Paradox which would be a great partner for your next buffalo hunt. Gun is housed in a new green leather trimmed canvas case with reproduction label and contains a three piece ebonized BGI cleaning rod and a leather carrying strap. MGM3.
Accessories
Canvas Case with 3 pc. cleaning rod
Barrel Wall Thickness
(BOTH) .087
Internal Bore Diameter
(BOTH) .811
Length of Pull
14 - 1/2" cast slightly off
Manufacturer
Holland & Holland