|
HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A FINE AND RARE 12 BORE MODEL DELUXE SINGLE TRIGGER SIDELOCK EJECTOR OVER AND UNDER GUN, NO. 36025
28-inch barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers about 1/4 and full choke borings, file cut ventilated rib, the frame and gold-plated top lever engraved with bold acanthus scrollwork, the bolster fences with chiselled and carved decoration, the maker's name signed within a scrolling banner, the locks with gold lined borders and engraved with scenes of pheasants and ducks in flight and highlighted in gold, the action base engraved with a gold snipe, Holland & Holland Patent single trigger, rolled edge trigger guard, 14 1/2-inch highly figured stock with raised comb and leather-covered recoil pad, three piece fore-end, 7lb. 8oz., nitro proof, in its brass bound oak and leather case with maker's accessories and canvas outer cover
The maker confirms that the gun was completed in April 1958 as a Royal Deluxe over and under gun, and that the gun was engraved with pheasants, duck and snipe. It is one of only three examples that were finished to Deluxe specification. The gun has subsequently been embellished and highlighted with further engraving and gold work.
A total of 26 of these guns were built between 1950 and 1958 when original production of this model ceased due to the high cost of manufacture. The Minutes of a 1952 Holland & Holland factory meeting state that "the average cost (of the new over and under gun) was £450 and the current selling price is £420". To try to create a profit, the price was increased to £500, making it by far the most expensive gun of its day, almost double the price of a "Royal" side by side then priced at £280. The expected orders failed to materialise and the model was dropped from the range. Holland & Holland did not produce and over and under gun again until 1992.
|
Sold for £35000
|
 |
| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Olympia, West London |
| 12 December 2006 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
|
|
