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HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A SCARCE .300 (.295) DOUBLE BARREL HAMMER ROOK RIFLE, NO. 8025, BUILT FOR LORD RIPON
26-inch barrels, bores re-lined, with flat rib and folding leaf sight and engraved "Winners of All The Field, Rifle Trials, London, 1883", the rounded frame, rebounding backlocks, hammers and top lever with fine bouquet and scroll engraving and retaining traces of original hardening colour, 14 1/2-inch figured stock with pistol grip and cheekpiece, 6lb. 8oz., nitro re-proof
S58
The maker confirms that the rifle was built in 1884 for Lord de Grey, the second Lord Ripon.
Lord Ripon, Earl de Grey was born in 1852 and became the second Marquis of Ripon in 1909. He is arguably the greatest game shot of all time with a recorded lifetime's total of 556,813 head of game. Much of his shooting was conducted with a set of three guns and with great speed of loading is known to have had seven dead birds in the air at one time. He persisted in the use of hammer guns. The unprecedented size of his 'bag' has led to his frequent description as the greatest shot of all and his feats are unlikely ever to be repeated.
At Studley Royal, his Yorkshire estate, he entertained the royalty and nobility of England and Europe and in turn shot with the greatest sporting estates such as Holkham, Sandringham and Elveden in the heydey of the shooting party. It was his combination of natural ability and total commitment to his chosen sport which raised him above the level of other good shots. In the shooting field, throughout his life, he was repeatedly top scorer and despite increasing age he maintained the highest standard to the end. He died on 22 September 1923 in the field, having killed 51 grouse on his last drive. While the last birds of the day were being picked up, he fell down dead.
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Sold for £5500
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Pulbourgh, West Sussex |
| 5 October 2022 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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