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H. HOLLAND
A MAHOGANY SAMPLE CASE OF NORTON'S PROJECTILES
the mahogany case with hinged glazed lid, revealing a selection of Captain Norton's Rifle Projectiles against a fitted blue velvet interior, the drawer containing an explanatory booklet entitled "Norton's Projectiles" published by the Patent Offices, together with further single sheet explanations, the case with applied H. Holland trade label with the address, 9, King's Street, Holborn and with a letter from Harris Holland dated Aug/55, "Sir, Enclosed is the key of the case, containing the various descriptions of modern improvements in rifle bullets. You will find a description in the drawer. Should you require any further particulars, I shall be most happy to give them, I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, H. Holland"
Harris Holland was first listed as trading from 9, King's Street as a tobacconist in 1841. By 1850, his business had changed to that of a gunmaker and he continued to occupy these premises until 1857. Items from so early in the history of Holland & Holland are extremely rare.
Captain John Norton was one of the first proponents and designers of bullet-shaped bullets. One of his earliest designs for a hollow-based bullet from 1823 was submitted to and rejected by the British Board of Ordnance because spherical bullets had been used for the past 300 years. He continued designing various improvements and projectiles, of which many examples are contained in this lot. Hollow-based projectiles with explosive qualities were one of his specialities.
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Sold for £1100
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Olympia, West London |
| 9 December 2008 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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