GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
PAIR OF HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL BREVIS SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUNS WITH NEW BARRELS BY HOLLAND & HOLLAND, ORIGINAL BARRELS, AND CASE.HOLLAND & HOLLANDSXS ROYAL BREVIS32911/3291212 GAMODERNCal. 12 ga. All bbl sets are 26-1/2" and of chopper lump construction, and fitted with narrow, slightly swamped game ribs engraved "Royal Brevis". The numbers "1" and "2" are gold inlaid at breech ends. These numbers also appear on top levers and forend tips. Tops of orig bbls are engraved "Holland & Holland" and "98. New Bond Street, London." Newer bbls have 33 Bruton Street address. Bbl flats of orig bbls are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2" chambers, and these chambers measure 2-5/8". Newer bbls with 1987 London proofs, are proofed for 2-3/4" chambers and measure 2-3/4". SNs are stamped on the bottoms of all bbls. Newer bbls are fitted with H&H patent self-opening assist springs. Orig bbls can be used as is, or with assist springs reinstalled. Coin finished, Royal sidelock actions feature automatic safeties (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold tumbler end cocking indicators, dbl triggers, and H&H patent hand detachable pins. Actions and lockplates are engraved in typical "Royal" style with near full coverage varying sized, open, shaded scroll. "Holland & Holland" is in classic arched device on each lockplate, and bottoms of actions are engraved "ROYAL" "SELF-OPENER" "PATENT" "1922". SNs are on short tangs of single beaded trigger guards. Well matched, nicely marbled, and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks measure 14-1/2" over checkered wood butts, and feature classic H&H styling with diamond hands, drop points, and point pattern checkering. Vacant gold ovals are on toe lines. Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson releases. Gun no. "1" orig bbls: Bore diameter: left - .732, right -.735. Bore restrictions: left -.004 (IC), right -.003 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.021, right -.018. Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". Gun no. "1" newer bbls: Bore diameter: left - .727, right -.727. Bore restrictions: left -.029 (IMod), right -.009 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.032. Drop at heel: 2-3/16", drop at comb: 1-7/16". Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". Gun no. "2" orig bbls: Bore diameter: left - .735, right -.735. Bore restrictions: left -.002 (cyl), right -.002 (cyl). Wall thickness: left -.014, right -.016. Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 6 lbs. 1 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". Gun no. "2" newer bbls: Bore diameter: left - .727, right -.727. Bore restrictions: left -.035 (full), right -.018 (mod). Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.029. Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". What appears to be orig makers oak and leather 2- gun case with brass corners, is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather H&H label in lid, along with ejector instruction label. Case has compartments for both guns and bbls and contains a number of accessories including 2-pc walnut and brass cleaning rod with mop, jag, and brush in covered compartment, two pairs of snap caps marked "Gallyon", bone striker bottle, black leather hand protector marked "Holland & Holland", tin oil bottle, and another compartment contains rough machining for assist spring. PROVENANCE: Factory "Weapons History" for both guns, stating they were made in 1935 with 28" bbls. Also confusing history for another gun (incorrect SN, history is for dbl rifle built in 1927). Copies of ledger pages for both guns, with cover letter. The Ioannis Koilakos Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, as refurbished. Orig bbls retain essentially all of a fine re-black, most likely factory. Newly made bbls have some light rubs and a few marks in their orig blue. Actions have been coin finished and are a pleasing light silver gray. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish with some light marks. All bores are excellent. Actions are a bit loose with orig bbls, tight and on face with newer bbls. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is still mostly light in color, but has numerous dark patches, scuffs, rubs, and marks. Central rectangle is missing. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good with many compressions and rubs, as well as soiling from contact with guns and bbls. Label is very fine. Instruction label is somewhat foxed, and lightly soiled. Accessories are good. 50108-13 MGM131 (25,000-35,000)