GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
.577 HOLLAND & HOLLAND UNDERLEVER HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR H. J. A. HERVEY, WHO DIED IN THE 2ND MATABELE REBELLION, RHODESIA 1896. HOLLAND & HOLLAND SXS DBL RIFLE 14434 577 BPE Cal. .577 BPE. 26" Steel bbls are mounted with full length rib, which is file cut behind one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight. Center portion is unmatted and slightly swamped, and rises again with more file cutting forming low ramp for silver bead front with flip-up "moon" sight. Tops of bbls are engraved "Holland & Holland 98 New Bond Street, London" and "Winner of All The "FIELD" Rifle Trials London". Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. A wide sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Round bodied, Jones underlever action with top strap extending over comb, and side clips, is fitted with peninsula rebounding back locks having serpentine flat faced, low set hammers. Action and locks are engraved with near full coverage varying sized, well cut, open, shaded scroll with some floral accents on sides of fences. "Holland & Holland" is at central portion of both locks, and left side of action bar is engraved "Charge 6 Drams. Case 3 Inches". SN is relief engraved on trigger guard tang which extends to steel grip cap. Finely marbled and lightly fiddle figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 15-1/8" over Silver type pad. Stock features classic point pattern checkering at grip, shadow line right hand cheekpiece, a newer sling loop, and a silver oval on toe line engraved with monogram "JSM" (?). Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting lever release. Drop at heel: approx 2-15/16", drop at comb: approx 1-15/16". Weight: 11 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 15-1/8". PROVENANCE: Copy of factory ledger page confirming specifications, and stating that is was made for H.J.A. Hervey. Excerpts from a book about Hubert John Anthony Hervey entitled "HUBERT HERVEY STUDENT AND IMPERIALIST; A MEMOIR" with copies of the pages relating to his death in the Matoppo Hills, Rhodesia, 1896, and with pictures of his grave, and plaque in the Memorial Hospital in Bulawayo. CONDITION: Very fine, as completely refinished, retaining nearly all fine high quality finishes on wood and metal, with a few minor handling marks. Engraving on action slightly softened, with some striations on bottom. Wood is slightly below metal. Bores are fine, lightly frosted throughout, with a few scattered minor pits. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. 50073-2 MGM185 (12,500-22,500)