GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
SCARCE HOLLAND & HOLLAND "CENTENARY" 2 INCH LIGHTWEIGHT "ROYAL" EJECTOR SELF-OPENING GAME GUN WITH CASE.HOLLAND & HOLLANDSXS ROYAL3324712 GA 2MODERN; C&R(ca 1937) Cal. 12 ga. 2" Chambers. Although not a new idea at the time this gun was made, the 1930's saw a resurgence in the popularity of the lightweight 2" gun. Shooters found the excellent patterns delivered by the cartridge to be an advantage over the 20 bore, and a number of makers specialized in 2" guns. Holland & Holland originally called this model "The 12-2", but in 1935 renamed it "The Centenary" by which name it was offered well into the '60's but made in very limited quantities. It was offered it in all grades from Royal Deluxe to Dominion. This fine "Royal" self-opening gun has an unusual bbl length of 27" (most were 28"). Bbls are of chopper lump construction and are fitted with narrow, swamped game rib, engraved "Royal". Holland & Holland name and Bruton Street address are on tops. Four 1-1/8" triangles of well cut shaded scroll engraving are at breach ends. Gun is "1" of a pair with numeral "1" gold inlaid at breech end of rib, on top lever, and forend tip. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2" chambers and 1 oz of shot. H&H patent self-opening assist spring has been fitted. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SN, and bottom of left bbl is engraved "MADE IN ENGLAND". Coin finished, small sized, "Royal" sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, H&H hand detachable locks, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved in classic "Royal" style with large acanthus scroll surrounding "Holland & Holland" in usual device on each lockplate. Bottom of action is engraved "Royal" "Model". Single beaded trigger guard has SN engraved on short tang. Finely streaked and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over checkered wood butt on 1-1/2" lengthening piece, which has been painted in to match exceptionally well. Stock also features diamond hand, as well as standard point pattern checkering, drop points, and gold oval, which is engraved with initials "RBA". Matching splinter ejector forend has usual Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.730, right - .729. Bore restrictions: left - .011 (lt mod), right - .005 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .024, right - .023. Drop at heel: 2", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Cast is approx 3/8" off. Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". What appears to be orig leather V C case, has newer central rectangle on top gold embossed "ROBERT B. ARTHUR". Interior is lined in burgundy cloth, and has black leather gold embossed H&H New Bond Street label in lid, with another black leather label for "Michael J. Kirby Fine English Guns" affixed in a compartment. Case contains cleaning equipment, square oil bottle, and a pair of snap caps marked "Michael J. Kirby". PROVENANCE: Copy of factory ledger page of a gun with this configuration, SN not visible. CONDITION: Excellent, as refurbished. Bbls retain approx 98% of a London quality re-black, with some light marks and rubs. Action has been cleaned to coin finish, and is quite pleasing. Lock pins and safety have been temper re-blued, safety showing considerable subsequent silvering, and takedown pin a bit. Stocks retain nearly all of a high quality oil finish, checkering re-cut. Lengthening piece shows considerable subsequent shrinkage, leaving a noticeable line. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and very slightly out of time. Case is good, with some scuffs and marks on leather. Ends of top beginning to separate. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth shows evidence of being renewed or re-glued, some partitions are loose. Accessories are fine. 2" guns are relatively scarce, most are boxlocks. Best sidelock guns are rare, and their owners are loathe to part with them. 50623-8 mgm12 (20,000-30,000)