May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
Per an included letter from Robert Stutler, the former Vice President of Ruger, this rifle came directly from Bill Ruger. Stutler and Ruger worked closely for a number of years, and when Ruger passed in 2002, he bequeathed Stutler his choice of firearms from his collection, including this rifle. Ruger apparently favored this rifle for African plains game, and Stutler used it on antelope in Wyoming. Dovetail lump barrels with a replacement ivory blade front sight retained by screw on a raised island with anti-glare matting throughout and relieved for a sight hood. Tubes engraved "Holland & Holland .98 New Bond Street, London." on right, and "Winners of all the FIELD Rifle Trials, London.". Five leaf express rear sight on a quarter rib, with standing leaf regulated for 100 yards, and four folding leaves for 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards, respectively. Folding leaves with silver express lines, standing leaf express missing. Further fit with a set of scope blocks. Underside of tubes with matching serial numbers, a discrete "H&H" barrel maker marking ahead of flats, and proofs on flats for a .303 with 38 grains of Riflelite. Sling bows on sweated on island on underside of rib and on stud at toeline. Small splinter forearm with reinforced splinter forearm with light floral engraving and border work on exterior iron and checkered in a point pattern. Action flats with view proof and serial numbers; breech face with evidence of a dovetail repair, probably to replace the strikers. Action body with delicate scroll engraving and border work, with dressed hingepins. Back action locks signed "Holland & Holland" with border work and delicate scroll. Tall rebounding cocks engraved en suite. Top strap runs over comb and is engraved en suite. Side lever engraved en suite. Double triggers, front serrated, with a long trigger guard tang that runs to the pistol grip cap, both engraved en suite. Nicely streaked walnut stock with two panels of modified point pattern checkering about the wrist, beaded cheekpiece, silver vanity plaque at toe line, and serrated horn buttplate with small spur at heel. CONDITION: Barrels with approximately half of the factory bvluing, with heavy scratches and silvering from use in the field. Action has flashes of color in the deepest recesses, with balance a smooth, storm grey with some surface mossing. Stocks very good, missing a chip on right side of forearm, with other scattered handling marks and impressions. Mechanically fine, bores with good rifling and heavy frosting. An important rifle from one of the foremost titans of the firearms industry.
Drop at Comb
Approx. 1 - 5/8"
Drop at Heel
Approx. 2 - 7/8"
Length of Pull
14 - 5/8" from front trigger
Manufacturer
Holland & Holland