October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
(ca 1887) 28" Dovetailed steel barrels are fitted with full length rib which is file cut behind one standing two folding leaf express rear sight, holds silver bead with flip-up night bead in raised front portion of rib. Tops of barrels are engraved with H&H New Bond Street address on right, and scarce "Winner of all the Field rifle trials 1883" information on left. Barrel flats are stamped with London black powder proofs. Serial number is on heavy reinforced splinter. Sling loop is screwed to bottom rib. Case hardened round bodied, top lever action is fitted with back spring side locks beginning the style which would be used for the next sixty years for the Number II and "Dominion" grades. Action has top tang which extends over comb, and is fitted with automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold). Each lockplate is fitted with a secondary safety reminiscent of stalking safeties found on hammer guns. With these engaged the rifle is doubly safe. Each button is fully checkered and "SAFE" is inlaid in gold at fronts. Action and lockplates are engraved with approximately 80% coverage nicely cut rose and scroll. "Holland & Holland" is on each lockplate. Steel trigger guard with scroll engraving on bow , has serial number on tang which extends to engraved steel grip cap. Well marbled and lightly flame figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-7/8" over what appears to be original ribbed horn buttplate. Stock features classic Holland & Holland style shadow line right hand cheekpiece. Flat top point pattern checkering is at grip. A sling loop and vacant silver oval are on toe line. Matching long splinter forend has Anson release. Weight: 8 lbs 9 oz. CONDITION: Excellent, mostly original. Barrels retain over 90% original blue, with a small number of marks and nicks, and a few minor splotches, thinning a bit from hand wear. Action and locks retain over 90% original case hardening color, silvered a bit on fences and around bottom. Trigger guard retains most of what appears to be its original blue. Stocks retain most of their original oil finish with some light marks, checkering has not been re-cut. Wood of butt has shrunk a bit below buttplate. Enfield rifled bores are excellent., shiny with sharp rifling throughout. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. An interesting "best" Holland rifle. MGM33.
Drop at Comb
Approx 1 - 3/4"
Drop at Heel
Approx 2 - 3/4"
Length of Pull
14 - 7/8 cast approx 1/4" off