GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
VERY FINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND 500/ 465 NITRO "INDIA ROYAL" HAMMERLESS DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE. HOLLAND & HOLLAND DBL RIFLE 32047 500/465 MODERN (1936) Cal. 500/ 465. 24" Chopper lump bbls are fitted with typical H&H type quarter rib holding one standing/ two folding leaf express rear sight. Matching front ramp holds silver bead, and is fitted with Holland type flip-over sight protector. Muzzles have late style regulating blocks. Mid rib is engraved with caliber, tops of bbl with makers name and New Bond Street address. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for .465 and 75 grains cordite, and 480 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs and a narrow sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Typical "Royal" rifle action is fitted with back locks, and features top tang which extends over comb, as well as non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, H&H patent detachable locks, and dbl triggers (front checkered and articulated). Action and locks are engraved in classic "Royal" style, with near full coverage varying sized shaded scroll with "Holland & Holland" in arched device on each lockplate. "Royal Hammerless Ejector" is on bottom of action. Blued and scroll engraved sgl beaded trigger guard has SN on tang which extends to engraved and case hardened steel grip cap with trap. Trap contains spare front sight numbered to this gun. Well streaked dense European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 15-3/8" over leather covered pad over 1-7/8" well matched extension. Stock features classic H&H styling with shadow line right hand cheekpiece, drop points, and point pattern grip checkering. A vacant gold oval along with sling loop are on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 3-1/8", drop at comb: approx 1-7/8". Cast approx 1/4" off. Weight: 10 lbs. 5 oz. LOP: 15-3/8". What appears to be orig makers leather case with stitched leather corners is lined in purple velvet and has gold embossed black leather label in lid along with charge card numbered to this rifle. Case contains square oil bottle, pair of snap caps, cleaning implements, and carrying sling. PROVENANCE: Copy of original H&H factory ledger page for this rifle which indicates ordered by "Khairagarh" w/original 13 1/2" LOP over Jostam recoil pad. Maj. Raja Bahadur BIRENDRA BAHADUR SINGH was the ruler of this princely state during the time of the rifle's manufacture. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a London quality re-black, details somewhat softened. Action retains 20 - 30% orig case hardening color, strong where protected. Lockplates retain most of their color, right plate maybe a bit less than half, left plate a bit more. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish with a few light subsequent marks, checkering freshened. Bores are excellent, strong sharp rifling throughout, with a hint of erosion in right bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is darkening with numerous scuffs and rubs. New straps are fine. Handle is good. Interior cloth is good with some partitions re-worked and re-covered. Labels are good to fine, charge card foxed and soiled. A classic Holland "best" which balances and handles exceptionally well. The 500-465 was developed after the blanket ban on .45 cal. rifles in India and the Sudan in 1907. 51796-1 MGM114 (47,500-67,500)