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*EXCEPTIONAL ONE-OF-A-KIND PRE-WAR HOLLAND & HOLLAND OVER-UNDER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH ORIGINAL CASE AND

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:30,000.00 USD Estimated At:60,000.00 - 90,000.00 USD
*EXCEPTIONAL ONE-OF-A-KIND PRE-WAR HOLLAND & HOLLAND OVER-UNDER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH ORIGINAL CASE AND
SN 28482. Cal. .375 H & H Flanged Mag. Donald Dallas in HOLLAND & HOLLAND, THE ROYAL GUNMAKER, THE COMPLETE HISTORY relates that this exceptionally rare double rifle was built on the early H & H O/U action. A total of 14 were made, however only 5 were rifles; by number, this was the first O/U built. The first guns completed were nos. 29024/5, a pair finished in 1915. This rifle no. 28482 and a .465 rifle no. 28515, were completed after the war, and tested by The Field on 21 May 1921. It is interesting to note that a 20 bore/ .375 combination gun no. 29069, was also built. The last O/U of this design was no. 32951, completed in 1937. This unique rifle has 26" demi-bloc bbls fitted with full length matted rib, central portion of which is deeply swamped, to produce a quarter rib and front sight ramp. Quarter rib portion is fitted with express rear sight marked for 50 and 200 yards on standing leaf, with folding leaves for 300 and 400 yards. Silver bead front sight with flip-up porcelain night bead is longitudinally dovetailed into front ramp, which is fitted with slip-on sight protector. Bbls are engraved "Holland & Holland." and "98. New Bond Street, London." on either side of quarter rib. Caliber is on left rear top bbl. Bottom of bottom bbl is stamped with London nitro proofs for .375 express, 54 grains of cordite, and 300 grain bullet. It is also stamped with Whitworth's sheaf of wheat logo, and SN. Springs and sears of the ejector mechanism are housed between the two bbls. A sling eye is soldered to bottom bbl. Case hardened, deep, O/U action is fitted with hand detachable back action sidelocks by Joseph Brazier. Round bodied action has intricately filed fences in interesting art deco style, and features long top tang which extends over comb, non-automatic bolted safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers (front articulated). In addition to typical Purdey double under lugs, this system utilizes a large double sliding bolt, which engages two bosses on the breech ends of the bbls. These bosses fit tightly into slots in sides of action, bearing on the circle. Action is engraved with exceptional, large, shaded, scrolled acanthus with floral and strap work highlights. "Holland & Holland" is on each side under scrolled bolsters, which are engraved with classic H & H modified fleur-di-lis, as often found on fences of Royal hammerless guns. Trigger plate is engraved "PATENT No 13621", referring to the patent on the O/U gun taken out on 4 June 1914. Blued, single beaded, trigger guard is engraved with medium open scroll, and has SN on tang, which extends to case hardened and engraved steel trap cap, with spare front sight wrapped in waxed paper in trap. Striking, dark, beautifully marbled European walnut full capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over new leather faced Silver type pad, and features drop points, classic H & H style point pattern checkering with mullered borders, and a vacant gold oval, as well as a sling eye, on toe line. Matching one piece forend with Anson release houses the trip mechanism for the ejectors. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/4", drop at comb: approx 1-5/8". Weight: 10 lbs. 1 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". Makers orig oak and leather case with brass corners and circular medallion on lid, is lined in dark green cloth, and has black leather gold embossed H & H label, a notice label regarding installation of extractors, and charge card for this specific rifle on lid. Case contains replacement right and left mainsprings, as well as a top lever spring, and a small spring clamp for ease of installation. Also included in case is cleaning equipment consisting of a pull through kit in leather wallet, and 2-pc wood and brass rifle cleaning rod with brush and two jags. Other accessories include a bone striker bottle with spare strikers, a pair of snap caps, an H & H square oil bottle, and a Lawrence narrow leather sling with orig sling loops for rifle. Also included are two unopened boxes of 10 235 grain .375 H & H cartridges with gray/ blue Holland labels, as well as 9 fired cases with H & H head stamps. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain 90 - 95% orig blue, silvering at muzzles and sharp edges. Action retains 65 - 75% orig case hardening color, silvered on high points from normal carrying wear, the balance a pleasing pewter gray. Lockplates retain most of their color, with right lockplate somewhat more faded. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their orig rubbed oil finish, with butt partially and lightly refinished during installation of new pad. Checkering is slightly worn, and has not been re-cut. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny, with sharp rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are slightly out of time. Case leather is very fine, darkening slightly, with a number of minor marks and rubs. Brass is nicely toned. Straps and handle are very fine. Interior cloth is very fine, with some rubs through and light soiling, from contact with action and bbls, as well as some insect damage, mostly in lid. Makers label has one small compression, otherwise is excellent. Charge card has some light soiling, slightly foxed. Notice card is browned. Accessories are excellent. Cartridge boxes are excellent, encased in plastic. An incredible, investment quality, British rifle.   4-49124 MGM245