October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
(ca 1888) The "Royal" trademark was applied for in 1885. This gun is marked "The Royal" on action, and also has 98 New Bond Street address on its 28 - 3/16" dovetailed Damascus barrels. Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2 - 1/2" chambers as well as 1999 Birmingham nitro re-proofs for 2- 3/4" chambers. Early style "Royal" action with dipped lockplates and patent number "23" marked on top lever (referring to the "Royal" action and its safety sears), also features automatic safety, patented gas vents on breechface, pivoting third fastener, and double triggers. Action is engraved with 90% coverage well cut scroll with rose bouquet highlights. "Holland & Holland" is on each lockplate and bottom of action is engraved "The Royal" "Patent Safety" "Hammerless Ejector". Trigger guard with scroll on bow has serial number on short tang. Dark heavily marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 3/4" over ribbed horn buttplate, and is classically styled with drop points, point pattern checkering and vacant silver oval. Matching splinter forend with ejector system that looks similar to a Baker, has Anson release (In the late 1880's Hollands used a variety of ejector systems before the advent of their famous "AB" ejector patent). Gun is housed in an old leather case embossed "C. W - A." which is lined in burgundy cloth. What appears to be a reproduction Holland paper label is in lid along with an old instruction label. Case contains cleaning equipment, square crystal oil bottle, and a pair of newer Holland marked snap caps. CONDITION: Good, as partially refinished. Barrels retain nearly all of a good quality re-brown, with good definition to pattern. Action has traces of case color where protected, but is mostly a mottled gray - dark brown. Trigger plate, trigger guard, and top lever are re-blued and retain nearly all of that blue. Engraving still clear. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish, sharp edges somewhat rounded, checkering re-cut. Bores are very fine to excellent. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is considerably darkened and soiled with many bumps and rubs. Handle and newer straps are good. Interior cloth is fine with some insect damage in lid. Partitions are good, soiled and rubbed. Newer label is fine. Old label shows silverfish damage and is foxed. Accessories are good. MGM79. CORRECTION: Barrel wall thickness measures at (L) .022 (R) .021.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .022 (R) .021
Choke
(L) .037 (Full) (R) .002 (IC)
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .739 (R) .734
Length of Pull
14 - 3/4" cast 1/4" off.
Manufacturer
Holland & Holland