November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Circa 1924. 26" chopper lump blacked steel barrels with matted spearpoint quarter rib, rear express sight with standing sight marked "50 200" and folding leaf marked "350". Tipped front sight with folding moon sight on a raised island with matted ramp slotted on side for front sight hood. Top of right barrel reads "MADE IN ENGLAND BY HOLLAND & HOLLAND" and top of left barrel reads "98 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON". Flourish of 2 – 1/2" engraved barrel panels of well cut scrolls and Germanic oak leaves. Underside of barrels marked "VICKERS" on one tube, "STEEL" on the other. Barrel flats with London nitro proofs. Barrel / Action flats and breech face are jeweled. Exquisite custom engraving of flowing scroll mixing with oak leaves on a stippled ground with a wonderful set of game scene vignettes across the gun with left side of receiver depicts a pair of mountain lions in a wooded scene, while left side of lockplate depicts a bear in a mountainous forest scene fending off a pair of wolves. Underside of action with a bull moose in a marshland with forest scene. Right side of receiver with American bison on a cactus littered prairie, right side of lock with cape buffalo in a wooded scene. These are likely done later in the US in the style of Kornbrath. Case colored back action sidelock ejector with hidden third fastener, disk set strikers and double triggers, front serrated. Flat profile trigger guard engraved with a cape buffalo with long tang running to a metal pistol grip cap with trap, engraved with a snarling mountain lion. Maker's name on both lockplates, on bottom and towards rear. “HOLLAND’S/.375 BORE/ MAGNUM CARTRIDGE” on bottom of frame. Striking contrast of gold inlaid florals on fences. Holland and Holland patent hand detachment lever on the left lock. Gold line cocking indicators. Opening lever engraved with a ram. Auto safe with "SAFE" inlaid in gold. Long top strap over comb. Nicely streaked straight grain walnut stock with shadowline cheekpiece, Oval engraved "TNW" matching the case. Sling loops on buttstock and soldered to underside of rib. Engraved steel skeleton buttplate. Well executed point pattern checkering on both pistol grip and forend. Splinter game forend with Anson style push button release and serial number on interior. Housed in a leather case with brass corners, "T.N. WOOD / WILKES - BARRE / PENNA" on lid, and Holland and Holland case label inside the lid. Accessories comprise pair snap caps, oil bottle marked for Abercrombie & Fitch, hooded sight cover, three piece cleaning rod, and a striker pot that has sunk into its fitting. CONDITION: Very Good. Barrels have a small area of fouling approximately 5" from muzzle on left side, still retaining 90% of blackening. Forend with a few minor handling marks. Stock has some minor handling marks. Case colors have largely faded with some flashes in protected areas and more so visible in covered areas, such as under the opening lever. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bores are bright with sharp rifling. Case is very good with scuffs and rubs on exterior. Accessories are very good with some evidence of use. The engraving on this rifle is both incredible and prolific; a wonderful gun sure to be a highlight the of the next buyer's collection! CP
Item Dimensions: 30"x 12" x 4"
Caliber/Bore
.375 H&H Flanged Magnum
Drop at Heel
(Approx) 2 - 1/2"
Manufacturer
Holland & Holland