GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
.577 NITRO BOXLOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE BY A. HOLLIS & SON WITH CASE, ONCE THE PROPERTY OF TONY SANCHEZ-ARINO WITH WHICH HE "SHOT EXACTLY 124 BULL ELEPHANT".HOLLISDOUBLE RIFLE15058577 NITROcorrespondenceMODERN; C&RCal. .577 NITRO. 3". This wonderfully balanced robust rifle built for the full 100 grain cordite 750 grain bullet load has 24" chopper lump bbls with matted quarter rib holding one standing leaf express rear sight marked for 50 yards. Ramp front holds silver bead with flip-up night bead. Tops of bbls are engraved "A. Hollis & Son London." "Rifle Makers To H. R. H. Duke of Connaught". (A. Hollis worked at 28 Victoria Street SW 1905-19.) Rib has dolls head extension. Bbl flats are stamped with Birmingham nitro proofs for 100 grain cordite and 750 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with Krupp steel 3-ring information. A sling eye is soldered to bottom rib. Robust (2-5/8" across breech, 2-1/2" from top to bottom) boxlock action with arched back and top strap which extends over comb, features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, and dbl triggers (front loose to reduce injury to ones trigger finger). Action is engraved with 60% coverage well cut scroll with "A. Hollis & Son" in scrolled riband on each side. Top of action is stippled. Single beaded trigger guard is also scroll engraved and has SN on tang, which extends to steel trap grip cap holding spare front sight. Nicely marbled, dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-7/8" over black leather covered pad, and features right hand shadow line cheekpiece, checkered side panels, drop points, and classic point pattern checkering at grip. A small sling eye and a silver oval engraved "T. S. A." (Tony Sanchez-Arino) are on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/4", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Neutral cast. Weight: 14 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 14-7/8". Balance point is about 5-1/2" in front of front trigger. Old oak and leather case with brass corners is lined in burgundy cloth, has been blocked to fit this rifle and contains a leather muzzle protector. PROVENANCE: Correspondence from Tony Sanchez-Arino to Holland & Holland where he states that "I know that this gun was specially manufactured for a member of the royal family who went on safari to Uganda early 1930". Further "As far as me concern this rifle has given me only satisfaction after satisfaction, and I am still alive thanks to it. I've shot well over 100 elephants with it, some rhinos, buffalo and lion, including a well known man-eater with several persons to his credit." Still further "I only hope that this rifle will arrive to the proper hands because, together with it, is going a part of my heart ..." Another letter from the purchaser asking for more information. Return letter with more praise for the rifle where he states "I've shot exactly 124 bull elephant with this gun, and, to be honest, I'd like very much to have it again in my hands ... The .577 was for me a second rifle, normally I use the .416 Rigby, and keeping the .577 for special difficult and "hot" conditions. He saved my life some few times and, thanks to it, I can write you this letter today." CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a "best" London re-black. Stocks have hand rubbed oil refinish, checkering re-cut. This work was probably done by Holland & Holland who purchased the rifle for resale. Action retains a considerable amount, possibly as much as 20% orig case hardening color where protected. Bores are very fine with strong rifling throughout, with some scattered light pits and frosting in grooves at breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is darkening and has many scrapes and rubs. Newer straps and handle are fine. Renewed interior cloth is fine with some rubs and soiling. Muzzle protector is good. 52700-40 MGM380 (30,000-50,000)