GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
8 BORE HOLLAND & HOLLAND HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE MOST LIKELY OWNED BY THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD. HOLLAND & HOLLAND SXS HAMMER RIFLE 7905 8 BORE IVORY (1884) Cal. 8 bore. 3-3/4" Chambers. 25" Fine Damascus bbls with dolls head extension, are fitted with full length rib, rear portion is file cut behind one standing leaf express rear sight marked for 50 yards. Unmatted central portion is engraved with "2" and "HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98, NEW BOND St, LONDON." A silver bead front sight with flip-up "moon" bead is longitudinally dovetailed into breech end. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 9 bore. SNs are on bottoms of bbls, and a large sling eye is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, round bodied, Jones underlever action has top strap which extends over comb, and is fitted with rebounding peninsula back locks with low set round bodied serpentine hammers having tall spurs. Action is engraved with about 80% coverage well cut classic rose and scroll. Top of action is engraved "2", and fences are engraved in unusual foliate style. SN is on trigger guard tang along with "2". Tang extends to engraved steel grip cap. Well marbled, and lightly figured, dark and dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over Silver type pad, and features shadow line right hand cheekpiece, typical point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a vacant silver oval, and sling eye, on toe line. A silver "5" is inlet at rear portion of left side of butt in the manner of and most probably is the rack number in the Nizam of Hyderabad''s armory. Matching splinter forend has pivoting lever release. Interior of iron is engraved "2". Drop at heel: approx 3-1/16", drop at comb: approx 2". Weight: 16 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". High quality, newly made, tan leather case with interesting pattern to leather, has shaped brass corners. Interior is lined in dark green velvet, and has large paper reproduction H&H label in lid. Case is semi french fitted for rifle and an array of newly made fine accessories, including two brass molds (one for paradox, the other for conical), pair of brass snap caps, large round pewter oil bottle, steel wad punch, mainspring box marked "Manton & Co", and old James Dixon broken case extractor. "Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory" handled accessories include a vaseline jar, striker bottle, chamber brush handle, powder dipper, two large turnscrews, two small turnscrews, striker key, wad rammer, and handle for 3-pc cleaning rod (2 piece brass and rosewood are in bbl channel). Covered compartment holds four turned brass cases marked "Holland & Holland" and with this rifles SN. There are two more of these cases which have been made into snap caps, and are in action recess. PROVENANCE: Copy of ledger page indicating rifle was made Jan 2 1884 for Rogers & Co. (Rogers was agent for H H The Nizam of Hyderabad.) Copy of invoice for this rifle. CONDITION: Very fine, as completely refinished. Bbls retain 95% of a re-brown with good definition to pattern, engraving picked up. File cutting softened. Action retains 60 - 70% of an old color hardening over some scattered pitting. Overall appearance is a mottled silver to gray brown. Stocks retain nearly all of an old hand rubbed oil finish over numerous marks, dents, and stains, with some subsequent marks. There are a number of repairs to stock, most notably at right side of top tang, and at rear of left lock. Checkering has been re-cut. Old pad, most likely not original, is petrified. Bores are very fine, with sharp, strong rifling throughout, shiny, but with light frosting. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. Case leather is excellent, with some dots of white paint, and a few minor scrapes. Interior cloth is excellent with some light compressions. Accessories are excellent. 49958-19 MGM101 (15,000-25,000)