MARSEY & SILLIVER FOUR BORE PERCUSSION RIFLE ONCE BELONGING TO THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD WITH CUSTOM CASE, IVORY TOOLS, ACCESSORIES AND DISPLAY STAND.
SN NSN. Cal. 4 bore. (.991 Groove diameter, 10 deep U-shaped grooves). 31″ Fine stub Damascus tapered octagon bbl is engraved “MARSEY & SILLIVER” at rear portion flanked by geometric line engraving. Remainder of top flat is stippled and has small inlaid silver poincon stamped “RAWBONE’S PATENT” with extension of poincon with inlaid groove to silver bead front sight. A four folding leaf rear sight marked for 100, 200, and 400 yards is dovetailed through at rear. The Nizam’s inventory code is stamped at rear of left flat where visible above stock. Bottom flat of bbl is stamped with Birmingham black powder proofs for 6 and 8 (bore and groove diameter). Bbl has under rib fitted with two beaded pipes holding cane ramrod with removable bulbous ebony head. Case hardened patent breech has nicely filed snail shaped bolster with screw clean-out. There are two gold lines inlaid at rear top which is nicely scroll engraved. Scroll engraved breech iron has integral fence. Large bar lock is fitted with tall flat faced serpentine hammer and has back sliding safety. It is engraved with about 50% coverage very well cut large shaded scroll, within herringbone borders. “MARSEY & SILLIVER” is in front of hammer. Trigger plate has nicely engraved scroll finial, and large bow trigger guard with scroll on bow has grip which loops forming pistol hand, which is checkered. Relatively plain but lightly fiddle figured European walnut stock measures 13-7/8″ over large steel buttplate with medium spur at heel. Nicely cut coarse checkering is at grip, with a sling eye and silver shield on toe line engraved “SF” over “MOM” (?). Rack number “58” is on left side of stock. Right side is fitted with very large steel patchbox with spring-loaded cover, which is very finely engraved with large shaded scroll. Forend is checkered and has steel cap along with nicely beaded steel thimble. Stock fastens to bbl with two captive side nails through engraved oval steel escutcheons. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-5/8″. Weight: 17 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 13-7/8″. Finely made full length walnut case with brass hinges and key locks, is lined in purple velvet, and is semi french fitted for a fine array of newly made accessories, many fabricated of ivory or with ivory handles. The exception is a very fine pigskin leather covered German silver powder flask with adjustable nozzle by Hawksley. New accessories include round plated oil bottle, mainspring vice, a new steel nutcracker type ball mold gold inlaid “Marsey & Silliver”, old patch cutter marked “1-3/8″”, two keys, and oil tin with reproduction Rose Brothers label. “Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory” handled accessories include plated powder dipper, dusting brush, three large turnscrews, three small turnscrews, lead ladle, and newly made Rigby type conical ball mold, with hollow pointing pin. Other ivory accessories include a loading mallet, two large jars, striker bottle, and large 3-pc cleaning rod with German silver ferules. Ivory was sourced from a large legally hunted tusk provided by the consignor. Rifle is also accompanied by custom made oak display stand. PROVENANCE: Invoice from H&H for this rifle stating that it has “provenance for the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1845”. Copy of Marsey & Silliver label. Copy of ledger page of the Nizam’s armory, where this rifle is listed with the inventory code found on the bbl. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. Bbl retains essentially all of an exceptional re-brown, with wonderful definition to complex pattern. Patent breech, breech iron, lock, and other furniture retain 10 – 20% orig case hardening color. Stock retains nearly all of a well done oil refinish. Wood is somewhat below metal. Checkering nicely re-cut. Bore is excellent. Lock is crisp. Safety works. Case is excellent, as is interior velvet, which does have some compressions and marks. Accessories are excellent. Stand is excellent. 49958-30 MGM95 IVORY (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2343
INCREDIBLE FOUR BORE HOLLAND & HOLLAND HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD WITH ORIGINAL CASE AND FULL COMPLEMENT OF ORIGINAL ACCESSORIES.
SN 8334. (1884) Cal. 4 Bore. This stupendous rifle weighing in at almost 21 pounds, is No. “2” rifle of a pair, made for the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1884. It was deaccessioned from the Holland & Holland Collection in 1983. The No. “1” rifle remains at Holland & Holland, and is pictured on page 67 of HOLLAND & HOLLAND; THE ROYAL GUNMAKER by Donald Dallas. In comparing this photograph, it appears that this particular rifle no. “2” was the pick of the litter, as a considerable amount of oxidation is visible on sides of bbls and right side of action on gun no. “1”. This rifle remains in excellent condition, and has 24″ fine Damascus bbls fitted with full length rib mounted with single standing leaf express rear sight with platinum line marked for 50 yards. Rear portion of rib is file cut behind sight. Portion in front of sight is unmatted, and slightly swamped forming slightly raised front base for silver bead and flip-up porcelain night bead, longitudinally dovetailed at muzzle. Top of left bbl is engraved “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials. London. 1883″. Doll’s head rib extension is engraved “2”. There are wide bands of foliate engraving at muzzles and breech ends. Breech end is further engraved with 2-1/4″ triangles of exceptionally well cut, very large, open, shaded scroll with floral centers. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 6 bore. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. Massive, round bodied, Jones underlever action has long top strap, which extends over comb in “Best” H&H fashion. Rebounding peninsula back locks are fitted with large, flat faced, serpentine hammers with stylized dolphin heads. Action and locks are engraved with big game motifs as found on many of the large rifles made for the Nizam, with an excellent scene of a feeding hippo in riverine background on left side of action, and with walking elephant in savannah with palm trees and mountain in background, on right. Top of action bears fine portrait of roaring lion. “2” is also engraved at beginning of strap. These well done, but somewhat naive, scenes are accentuated by sprays of well cut shaded scroll. Lockplates portray a standing bear in open palm woodland on left lock, and a recumbent tiger in similar environment, on right. Bodies of hammers are scroll engraved and scroll flanks scenes. Case hardened trigger guard has SN and “2” on tang, which extends to large hard rubber grip cap. Nicely fiddle figured and lightly streaked, dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/8″ over old black pad. Stock features typical flat top point pattern checkering at grip, and a right hand shadow line cheekpiece. A large gold oval is engraved with the Nizam’s crest (large monogram of various initials surmounted by a shield device with Arabic inscription surmounted by a rampant tiger, all over riband with Arabic inscription). A very large sling eye, matching that soldered to bottom rib, is on toe line. Left side of stock, near butt, is stamped multiple times with the no. “3”, also the number “3” in silver has been inlet. This is the Nizam’s rack or inventory number. A similar 8 bore rifle belonging to the Nizam, is illustrated on page 70 of HOLLAND & HOLLAND THE ROYAL GUNMAKER, which bears number “2”. Large splinter forend has forward pivoting lever release, and is engraved “2” on interior of iron. Drop at heel: approx 2-15/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-15/16″. Weight: 20 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 13-3/8″ (closely matching ledger page). Orig makers oak and leather case with nickel-plated brass corners and circular central medallion is enameled with the Nizam’s initials and “4 BORE” on lid. The remnants of some labels are inscribed in Arabic on top, and with label on right end for rifle “8333” is marked “STOCK”. Interior is lined in tan morocco leather, and has silver embossed dark leather H&H label in lid, also embossed with a crown, possibly a special label for the Nizam (?). A flanking paper label is inscribed in Arabic. Case is semi-french fitted for rifle and a fine array of orig nickel-plated accessories, including Davis type mold for round ball marked “Holland & Holland” and “4”, wad punch also marked “4”, mainspring vice, broken case extractor marked “4”, ebony handled striker key, pair of turnscrews, wad rammer, powder measure, and striker case with large strikers for this rifle and a spare fore sight. Also included is a heavy 2-pc German silver and ebony cleaning rod with short handle, with brush, jag, and turks head in a covered compartment. Another covered compartment holds mop and jag, turnscrew, pull through cleaning kit, pair of modern 4 bore snap caps, the original forend wood, and a key. Another open compartment (cover missing) held three loaded 4 bore brass cartridges (removed). PROVENANCE: Copy of orig ledger page. Import paper. 3 4-bore loaded cartridges. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, as partially refurbished by factory. Bbls retain approx 90% orig Damascus finish, with excellent definition to fine pattern, slightly thinning overall, and silvering on sharp edges and at breeches. Action and locks retain 90 – 95% orig case hardening color, only silvering on top strap and tails of lockplates, with associated high edge wear. Trigger guard retains most of its orig color, silvering and flecked at grip. Stocks retain nearly all of an old very light refinish over some scratches and a few deeper dents, checkering somewhat thinned. Rubber of pad has been replaced. Backing plate appears original. Forend wood is an excellent factory quality replacement, checkering does not match, as it is much closer spaced than that at grip. (The orig forend wood is in case, and has numerous deep gouges.) Bores are excellent, brilliant throughout, with perhaps a hint of one or two very light pits, mostly in left bbl, possibly flaws in Damascus. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. Case leather is fine, with numerous scuffs and marks, and some deep rubs on edges. Nickel-plating is considerably flaked. Lettering shows rubbing through later blacking to white base. Replaced straps and handle are excellent. Interior leather is fine with numerous rubs, marks, and compressions, many areas worn through from contact with very heavy bbls and action. Label has considerable rubbing at top, with a number of dents. Accessories are very fine. It is of little doubt that this is the ultimate big bore best quality early rifle available in the world today. 49958-14 MGM89 (80,000-120,000) – Lot 2354
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE GOLD INLAID TEN BORE HOLLAND & HOLLAND HAMMER RIFLE MADE FOR THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD WITH ORIGINAL CASE AND SPECTACULAR NEW DISPLAY CASE WITH IVORY ACCESSORIES.
SN 8243. (1876) Cal. 10 bore. (.780 groove diameter, 9 groove Enfield type rifling) 3-1/4″ Chambers. This truly exceptional rifle, made by Holland & Holland for the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1876, was sold to the consignor by Holland & Holland in December 1982. This rifle, in its orig case, is pictured on page 158 of THE SHOOTING FIELD, 150 YEARS WITH HOLLAND & HOLLAND. This rifle is complete with the Nizam’s crest on large gold oval on toe line, and with rack number “6” inlet in silver and stamped on left side of stock near butt. It has 24″ dovetailed steel bbls with dolls head extension. Bbls are gold inlaid “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street. London.” on rear portion of full length slightly swamped top rib. A single standing leaf express rear sight marked for 50 yards is dovetailed through rib. A silver bead front sight with flip-up porcelain night bead, is longitudinally dovetailed into front portion of rib. Breech portions are exquisitely gold inlaid with large flowing scrolls of gold wire with foliate terminations. Muzzles are engraved with acanthus bands. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 12 bore. SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls, and a wide sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, case hardened, Jones underlever, round bodied action has top strap which extends over comb in the classic H&H “best” manner. Peninsula back action back locks are fitted with flat faced rebounding serpentine hammers. Front trigger is “loose” to move forward when firing rear trigger. The most striking feature of the embellishment of this rifle is the exceptionally well done flush gold inlay of thin attenuated scroll with foliate highlights within thin gold line borders with geometric flourishes. This gold work is on all metal parts, and is enhanced by a background of very well cut small open scroll engraving. “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” is in gold on rectangular device on both lockplates. SN is in gold on trigger guard tang, which extends to matching steel grip cap. Very fine, dark and dense, heavily marbled and lightly figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-15/16″ over old Silver pad with small widow’s peak. Stock features classic shadow line right hand cheekpiece and flat top point pattern checkering at grip. The aforementioned rack number is on left side at butt. The Nizam’s crest (initial monogram under shield type device with Arabic inscription under a rampant tiger. All over a ribbon with Arabic inscription) is in large gold oval on toe line. Matching short splinter forend attaches to bbls with forward pivoting bolt. Drop at heel: approx 3-1/4″, drop at comb: approx 2″. Weight: 13 lbs. 2 oz. LOP: 13-15/16″. Orig oak and leather case with silver plated brass corners and central medallion is raised enameled with the Nizam’s initials and “10 BORE” on lid. An old label is inscribed in Arabic. Another paper H&H inventory label is on right side of top, and is marked with this rifle’s SN, caliber and “Stock”. Interior is lined in royal blue velvet, and has deeply embossed dark morocco leather Holland & Holland New Bond Street label with sovereign’s crown (a scarce label only used during the 1880’s), in lid. Case is semi-french fitted for rifle and a number of old accessories, including horn handled H&H marked turnscrew, ebony handled striker key which does not quite fit this rifle, Hawksley marked round pewter oil bottle, hollow pointing pin with rosewood handle, 12 bore broken case extractor, horn striker bottle with strikers, walnut handled crimping tool, horn handled German silver powder dipper marked “9 Drs”, and a rosewood wad rammer. Covered compartment holds some cleaning equipment, and a boxwood striker bottle contains spare front sight, spring loaded strikers, and nipples (bottom is marked with SN 3821). There is also a paper label marked in Arabic, as well as some wads. Newly made oak and ostrich leather case for this rifle has shaped brass corners. Leather is russet brown and is quite striking in that it appears the whole back skin of an ostrich was used in its construction, with dramatic heavy feather follicle patterning. Interior is lined in black velvet, and has gold embossed black leather H&H label in lid. Case is semi french fitted for a fine array of old and new tools and accessories, most with new ivory handles. This “certifiable pre-ban ivory” was supplied by the consignor and sourced from a large African elephant trophy tusk legally harvested by the consignor in 1980. Ivory handled tools consist of set of three large turnscrews, large H&H marked brass powder dipper, striker key, wad rammer, pair of small turnscrews, 3-pc brass cleaning rod, large vaseline jar (?), patchbox, dusting brush, hollow pointing tool, and striker bottle with spare strikers. Other accessories include H&H marked round plated oil bottle, another small pewter oil bottle, pair of brass snap caps, wad punch, mainspring vice, brass broken case extractor, two brass molds (one for Paradox type bullet, and the other for a conical bullet), and brass 12 bore bullet fixer. A covered compartment holds a pull through cleaning brush. PROVENANCE: Copy of ledger page for this rifle indicating it was gold inlaid and confirming other specifications, and also indicating it went to Rogers Rock Co, (agent for the Nizam). H&H correspondence and invoice regarding the 1982 sale of this rifle by H&H to consignor. Also letter from treasury declaring rifle an “antique”. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, perhaps lightly freshened by factory. Bbls retain essentially all factory blue, with a few light marks, and some scratches. Action and lockplates retain nearly all of their fine factory most likely orig case hardening color, somewhat faded on opening lever and top strap. Orig blue of trigger guard has some minor flaking on bow, and considerable silvering at grip. Stocks retain nearly all of what appears to be an old factory freshened oil finish, checkering a bit thin either side of top strap. A small chip is missing from left top rear of forend. Bores are excellent, bright sharp and shiny rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. Orig case leather is still light in color, with a number of darker stains, and a myriad of light and heavy scuffs, marks, and rubs. Corners and medallion are beginning to show brass. Black of lettering wearing through to show white enamel. Orig handle is good, but a bit tender. Interior velvet has a number of rubs, marks, and compressions, with some areas rubbed through, mostly from contact with heavy bbls and action. Label is very fine. Accessories are good, somewhat tarnished. New case is excellent, with only a few light marks in exterior leather. Straps and handle are excellent. Interior cloth is also excellent, with only minor compressions. Nearly all ivory is also excellent, with few noted checks. Early accessories including molds, have been polished over a number of marks and dings. This rifle balances and handles very well. A superb specially made big bore, and a unique investment opportunity. 49958-15 MGM73 IVORY (65,000-95,000) – Lot 2355
8 BORE HOLLAND & HOLLAND HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE MOST LIKELY OWNED BY THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD.
SN 7905. (1884) Cal. 8 bore. 3-3/4″ Chambers. 25″ Fine Damascus bbls with dolls head extension, are fitted with full length rib, rear portion is file cut behind one standing leaf express rear sight marked for 50 yards. Unmatted central portion is engraved with “2” and “HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98, NEW BOND St, LONDON.” A silver bead front sight with flip-up “moon” bead is longitudinally dovetailed into breech end. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 9 bore. SNs are on bottoms of bbls, and a large sling eye is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, round bodied, Jones underlever action has top strap which extends over comb, and is fitted with rebounding peninsula back locks with low set round bodied serpentine hammers having tall spurs. Action is engraved with about 80% coverage well cut classic rose and scroll. Top of action is engraved “2”, and fences are engraved in unusual foliate style. SN is on trigger guard tang along with “2”. Tang extends to engraved steel grip cap. Well marbled, and lightly figured, dark and dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over Silver type pad, and features shadow line right hand cheekpiece, typical point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a vacant silver oval, and sling eye, on toe line. A silver “5” is inlet at rear portion of left side of butt in the manner of and most probably is the rack number in the Nizam of Hyderabad’s armory. Matching splinter forend has pivoting lever release. Interior of iron is engraved “2”. Drop at heel: approx 3-1/16″, drop at comb: approx 2″. Weight: 16 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. High quality, newly made, tan leather case with interesting pattern to leather, has shaped brass corners. Interior is lined in dark green velvet, and has large paper reproduction H&H label in lid. Case is semi french fitted for rifle and an array of newly made fine accessories, including two brass molds (one for paradox, the other for conical), pair of brass snap caps, large round pewter oil bottle, steel wad punch, mainspring box marked “Manton & Co”, and old James Dixon broken case extractor. “Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory” handled accessories include a vaseline jar, striker bottle, chamber brush handle, powder dipper, two large turnscrews, two small turnscrews, striker key, wad rammer, and handle for 3-pc cleaning rod (2 piece brass and rosewood are in bbl channel). Covered compartment holds four turned brass cases marked “Holland & Holland” and with this rifles SN. There are two more of these cases which have been made into snap caps, and are in action recess. PROVENANCE: Copy of ledger page indicating rifle was made Jan 2 1884 for Rogers & Co. (Rogers was agent for H H The Nizam of Hyderabad.) Copy of invoice for this rifle. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, as completely refinished. Bbls retain 95% of a re-brown with good definition to pattern, engraving picked up. File cutting softened. Action retains 60 – 70% of an old color hardening over some scattered pitting. Overall appearance is a mottled silver to gray brown. Stocks retain nearly all of an old hand rubbed oil finish over numerous marks, dents, and stains, with some subsequent marks. There are a number of repairs to stock, most notably at right side of top tang, and at rear of left lock. Checkering has been re-cut. Old pad, most likely not original, is petrified. Bores are very fine, with sharp, strong rifling throughout, shiny, but with light frosting. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. Case leather is excellent, with some dots of white paint, and a few minor scrapes. Interior cloth is excellent with some light compressions. Accessories are excellent. 49958-19 MGM101 IVORY (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2356
VERY FINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND 8 BORE PARADOX HAMMER GUN MOST LIKELY MADE FOR THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD, WITH HUEY CASE AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDING MOLD AND FIXER.
SN 15129. (1893) Cal. 8 Bore rifle choke. 26″ Dovetailed steel bbls with dolls head extension, are fitted with full length rib which is file cut behind one standing leaf express rear sight marked for 50 yards. Center portion is unmatted and very slightly swamped, transitioning to low file cut front ramp holding silver bead with flip-up night bead. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland 98 New Bond Street, London.” and “”Paradox” Fosbery Patent.” Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 9 Bore, and “R” choke. SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls, and a wide sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, round bodied, Jones “snap” underlever action has third fastening Purdey type bolt. Top strap extends over comb in classic H&H best fashion. Rebounding peninsula back locks are fitted with flat faced serpentine hammers with stylized dolphin heads and tall spurs. Front trigger is checkered and “loose”. Action and locks are engraved with 90% coverage Holland’s typical large, shaded, open scroll. “Holland & Holland” is in open field on each lockplate. Left side of action is engraved “Charge, 8 To 10 Drams. 3-1/2 Inch Case”. Blued trigger guard has SN relief engraved on tang, which extends to engraved steel grip cap. Very finely marbled, and lightly figured, dense European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14″ over Silver pad, and feature right hand shadow line cheekpiece, typical point pattern checkering at grip, and with a wide sling loop and vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting bolt fastener. Drop at heel: approx 2-9/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Weight: 15 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14″. High quality leather case by Huey, with stitched leather corners, is lined in burgundy cloth, and has large paper reproduction H&H label in lid. Partitions have oak stringing on tops, and case is semi-french fitted for a number of accessories, including steel wad punch, H&H marked horn handled turnscrew, cheap ass wad rammer, pair of ebony handled turnscrews, round brass oil bottle, pair of plated snap caps, 2-pc walnut and brass large bore cleaning rod with brush and jag, as well as two keys. This Paradox gun also includes H&H marked 8 bore Paradox mold and fixer. (There is no space for these items in case.) PROVENANCE: H&H correspondence, and purchase receipt. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a fine quality re-black, with a few light marks and dings, engraving still relatively sharp. Action and locks retain a considerable amount, perhaps as much as 30%, orig case hardening color, percentage difficult to ascertain because of congealed oil. Jones lever and trigger guard are re-blued, and retain nearly all of that blue. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish over a number of light scratches and marks. Rack no. “13” is stamped near butt on right side of stock. This is done in the same manner as many other rifles owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad. (This rifle is listed in the Holland records as being made for the Nizam; “Mr. Nizain”, according to a factory letter from 1966.) Checkering most likely re-cut. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. Lever spring is weak, possibly broken. New case is excellent in nearly all respects, with only a few minor light marks and stains in and out. Accessories are very fine. A great handling big bore. 49958-23 MGM90 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2357
HOLLAND & HOLLAND .577 3″ DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD WITH CASE.
SN 12178. (ca 1889) Cal. .577 BPE. 26″ Dovetailed steel bbls are fitted with full length flat rib with dolls head extension. Rear portion is file cut behind one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight. Standing leaf is marked for 50 and 100 yards, and folding leaves for 200 and 250. Slightly swamped central portion is inlaid in gold “Made Expressly For His Highness The Nizam of Hyderabad. Deccan.” Front portion, forming slight ramp, holds silver bead with flip-up “moon” bead. Tops of bbls are engraved with H&H London address, and “Field” rifle trial information. There are 1/2″ bands of acanthus engraving around breech ends, and top of dolls head is gold inlaid “3”. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for .577EX. SN is on large splinter with integral loop. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. “Climax” top lever action with hammerless back locks, has top strap which extends over comb. Fences are filed with interesting stops at top, which act to keep cartridges from slipping out of bbls when rifle is being carried open over one’s shoulder (?). Action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), raised bosses at tumbler ends for added strength, and dbl triggers. Action and lockplates are engraved in near full coverage exceptionally well cut, varying sized acanthus outline scroll with floral central whorls. “Holland & Holland” is in large swagged ribbon on each lockplate. Left side of action is engraved “Charge 6 Drams Case 3 Inches”. “3” is inlaid in gold on top lever and doll’s head on bbl, and is engraved on trigger guard tang, which extends to steel grip cap. Dark and dense, well streaked and nicely figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-5/8″ over ribbed horn buttplate. Stock features classic right hand shadow line cheekpiece, typical point pattern checkering at grip, and a sling loop, matching that on bbl, as well as a vacant gold oval, on toe line. Matching splinter forend has Anson release.Drop at heel: approx 2-11/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-11/16″. Weight: 12 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 14-5/8″. Old makers leather case has central round brass medallion and old label with Arabic markings on top. Interior is lined in royal blue cloth, and has large paper Holland & Holland label in lid, along with an old H&H instruction label for hammerless gun no. 11065, which has been struck out, with “Rifle” “no 3” and this rifles SN added in India ink a long time ago. “Charge” was changed to 6 drams. Rifle fits case well, and case contains 2-pc ebony and brass cleaning rod with 2 mops, jag, and turks head, old square tin of rangoon oil, bone striker bottle, high quality case hardened steel mainspring vise with Arabic engraving, 28 bore wad punch, wad rammers and tube, rectangular pewter H&H marked oil bottle, newly made high quality Davis type mold marked “Holland & Holland .577″ and with this rifles SN. Covered compartment holds an H&H marked pin type bullet fixer, and 2 H&H marked horn handled turnscrews. PROVENANCE: Copy of factory ledger page with specifications. Copy of page from the Nizam’s armory inventory, where this item is listed as no. 56. CONDITION: Excellent, as reconditioned. Bbls retain 95% of a high quality rust blue over some pitting, and with some subsequent light marks, most noticeably a 3” patch of some variegated spotting on top of left bbl to rear of rear sight. Action retains over 90% of a muted color re-hardening. Top lever and trigger guard retain over 90% of well done re-blue, engraving picked up on trigger guard. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish, with a few light marks, checkering re-cut. Bores are excellent with strong, sharp rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Case leather has many old dark spots, stains, and rubs. Newer straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good, with many rubs and marks. Labels are somewhat soiled, foxed, and main label has some rubs through. Accessories are generally good. Newly made mold is excellent. 50073-1 MGM112 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2362
