April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Built by arguably London’s Best rifle and gunmaker in 1932 and chambered in a classic African dangerous game hunting caliber. This historic firearm was once owned by the great African Big Game Hunter Baron Bror von Blixen-Fineck. Blix as he was known is regarded to be an excellent shot and to be on par with the best of the African hunters and trackers. He was greatly admired for his hunting skills and vigorous stamina. Clients that he guided in Africa include but are not limited to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, Winston Churchill, A.G. Vanderbilt, and G.W. Vanderbilt. His autobiography 'African Hunter' (1938) is long regarded as fine Africana. The film "Out of Africa" was based on Karen Blixen's (Bror von Blixen-Finecke's first wife) memoirs of the same name. This handsome and robust case color hardened back-action sidelock double rifle is built with 25" side by side nitro proof blacked steel barrels. The barrels are fitted with ejectors, concealed third fastener (treble grip), spearpoint file cut quarter rib with express rear sights - 1 standing (100 yds) and 2 folding (200 & 300 yds). Front sight is an island base with flip up night (moon) sight. The rib is engraved ".577 BORE". The right barrel is engraved "HOLLAND & HOLLAND." and the left barrel is engraved "98. NEW BOND STREET, LONDON." The breech ends of barrels with bands of light scroll. The barrel flats bear appropriate London Nitro Proofs, "577 3 - 1/4", CORDITE 100 - 750 MAX". The underside of both barrels are marked with the rifle's serial number "31048". The barrel is also fitted with a loop for sling. The case color finished sidelock action is fitted with hand detachable locks, disk set strikers, gold line cocking indicators, extended top strap over comb, engraved and checkered top lever, engraved and checkered safety slide with "SAFE" in gold ahead of the safety slide, with Holland’s traditional 'Royal' Scroll engraving pattern with "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" in a banner on each lockplate, bottom of action body is engraved "ROYAL EJECTOR", double triggers with the front articulated, engraved and right rolled edge trigger guard that extends to a long bottom strap that bares the rifles serial number "31048" that ends at an engraved case color hardened finish steel cap box. The reddish brown nicely figured best quality English walnut stock with checkered pistol hand grip has a shadow line cheekpiece, loop for sling, drop points, and a gold stock oval. Splinter forend has matching checkering with blacked checkered Anson style push button release and engraved and case color finish escutcheon and forend diamond. Inner forend iron is blacked with serial number. Rifle is presented in an oak & leather travel case with canvas cover, inside of upper lid has black & gold leather trade label and paper charge card. The case is fitted with tools and accessories consisting of a 2 piece white bone handle metal cleaning rod, 4 white bone handle turn screws, white bone striker pot, Holland & Holland nickel oil bottle, 2 Holland & Holland nickel .577 snap caps, a pull through in pouch, and Holland & Holland Weapon History. CONDITION: Excellent. Action is tight, case colors are vibrant, ejectors are timed well and triggers are crisp. Stock and forend with slight storage and handling marks. Case excellent. An outstanding & historical addition to any gun collection. CP
Item Dimensions: 31 x 12 x 4
Accessories
Case with accessories
Caliber/Bore
.577 Nitro Express
Manufacturer
Holland & Holland