Spring 2018 Extraordinary Firearms Auction

Auction: March 21, 22, 23, 2018: 10am

Preview: March 19 & 20, 2018: 9am-5pm and March 21, 22, 23, 2018: 8am-10am

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

If you have questions please email firearms@jamesdjulia.com.




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1179
$18,400.00

*FINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND TOP LEVER HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE IN .375 – 2-1/4″ NITRO WITH CASE.

SN 17632. Cal. .375 2-1/4″ Nitro. 28″ Dovetailed bbls fitted with quarter rib holding one standing two folding express rear, sunken mid rib, and matted ramp holding white bead front sight, are engraved with H&H New Bond street address and Field rifle trial information on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 40 grains cordite and 270 grain bullet. Case hardened top lever action with top tang extending over comb, is fitted with rebounding peninsula back locks with flat faced serpentine hammers and front sliding stalking safeties. Action and locks are engraved with near full coverage exceptionally well cut medium to small shaded scroll within geometric borders. “Holland & Holland” is in strapwork device on each lockplate. Blued trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN on tang which extends to case hardened steel trap grip cap. Intricately marbled, dark European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 14-7/8″ over ribbed horn buttplate, and features classic point pattern checkering and H&H style right hand shadow line cheekpiece. A gold oval on toe line is engraved “J. A. B”. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: 2-3/4″, drop at comb: 1-7/8″. Cast about 1/4 off. Weight: 9 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 14-7/8″. Rifle comes in an old leather Holland & Holland case with central brass medallion on top which is embossed “J. A. B.” Case is lined in blue cloth and has old paper H&H label in lid. Case contains an H&H marked round oil bottle and some fired brass made from .405 Winchester. PROVENANCE: Copy of ledger page confirming specifications and that rifle was made for “Burdeu”. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a London quality re-black with some scuffs and scratches. Action retains approx 80% orig case hardening color, silvered from normal handling around bottom, high edges, and fences. Locks retain traces of their color, hammers fairly strong. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish with light marks, checkering re-cut. Bores are good to fine, dark in grooves. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks crisp. Safeties work. Case leather is very dark, considerably bumped and rubbed with repairs at ends. New straps are good. Repaired handle is good. Interior cloth has considerable deterioration with rubs and marks. Label considerably foxed, wrinkled, and soiled, with heavy rub through. 52999-6 (12,500-22,500) C&R – Lot 1179

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1180
$74,750.00

*PRISTINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” EJECTOR .577 NE DOUBLE RIFLE IN MAKER’S CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, MADE FOR NATHANIEL C. NASH, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. IN 1909.

SN 19284. Cal. .577 3″ NE (650 grain bullet) Made just before the 750 grain loading became available, this superb condition rifle has 26″ chopper lump bbls fitted with file cut H & H style quarter rib with one standing, two folding leaf express sight with ivory triangle inset in standing leaf. Matching front ramp is fitted with enamel bead and flip-up night sight. Orig sight protector is in place. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street. London.” and “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials, London.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 80 grains cordite and 650 grain bullet. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, case hardened action with slightly rounded bar, is fitted with hand detachable back locks in usual double rifle manner. Top strap extends over comb, and is fitted with folding peep sight which nestles into recess in strap. Action also features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, disc set strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). This rifle was made in 1909, which coincides with the appearance of the Holland & Holland detachable lock system, and is so fitted. Action and locks are engraved in classic Holland & Holland house style with full coverage varying sized open shaded scroll with strapwork highlights surrounding “Holland & Holland” in usual H&H arched device on each lockplate. Fences have semi-relief carved acanthus. Bottom of action is engraved “Charge” “80 Grains cordite” “.577” “Case 3 Inches”. Blued top lever is engraved “Royal Ejector” and trigger guard is engraved with open non-shaded scroll with SN on tang which extends to case hardened trap steel grip cap (spare fore sight in trap). Superbly stump figured and lightly marbled European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over orig Silver pad. Stock features classic Holland styling, with drop points, point pattern checkering at grip which has reverse curve to rear line, and superbly sculpted right hand shadow line cheekpiece. A sling loop matching that on bbls and a gold oval engraved with monogram “NCN” are on toe line. Matching splinter “AB” ejector forend has forward pivoting lever release. Drop at heel: approx 3-7/16″, drop at comb: approx 2-1/16″-. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 12 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion is lined in scarlet cloth, and has dust divider between lid and bottom compartment. Gold embossed H&H label as well as charge card for this particular rifle, is in lid. Bottom compartment contains an assemblage of orig accessories French-fitted including 3 horn handled turnscrews marked Holland & Holland, and a horn handled striker key, H&H marked round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, pull through cleaning kit in black morocco wallet, lace on leather muzzle protector, carrying sling, broken case extractor, and wood covered steel cleaning rod, with two brushes in covered compartment which also contains two keys. PROVENANCE: Nathaniel Cushing Nash; Nathaniel Cushing Jr.; The prestigious personal collection of 4-time Oscar-winning Visual Effects Icon, Richard Edlund; Special Gold Medal winner at first CA Side-by-Side Society Concours d’Elegance of Fine Guns in 2000; Copy of factory ledger pages, including shooting report, and indicating rifle was finished in July 1909. CONDITION: Essentially as new, appears unfired since proof, with only the faintest handling and assembly marks in all wood and metal surfaces. Wood of butt has shrunk a bit and plate of pad is proud. Bores are excellent. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is still light in color, has a few bumps and rubs. (Still creaks when case is opened.) Straps and handle are fine. Interior cloth is excellent with compressions and rubs. Labels and accessories are excellent. An incredible, essentially unfired, big game rifle. The 650 grain loading remained popular for many years, as rifles could be built at a convenient carrying weight, and still deliver impressive “knock-out” power to the largest beasts on the planet. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please read the Conditions of Sale, section 15, for more information regarding the Endangered Species Act, and your responsibilities as a buyer. 53184-2 MGM (65,000-95,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1180

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1181
$63,250.00

*SUPERB ORIGINAL CONDITION HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” .375 NITRO EXPRESS DOUBLE RIFLE IN ORIGINAL MAKER’S CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, MADE FOR NATHANIEL C. NASH, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. IN 1905.

SN 19309. Cal. .375 Flanged NE. 2-1/2″. This fine condition rifle has 26″ chopper lump bbls fitted with file cut H & H style quarter rib with one standing, two folding leaf express sight with ivory triangle inset in standing leaf. Matching front ramp is fitted with enamel bead and flip-up night sight, as well as slip-on sight protector. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street. London.” and “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials, London.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 40 grains cordite and 320 grain bullet. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. Case hardened action with slightly rounded bar, is fitted with back locks in usual double rifle manner. Top strap extends over comb, and is fitted with folding peep sight which nestles into recess in strap. Action also features automatic bolted safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, disc set strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front checkered and “loose”). Action and locks are engraved in early Holland & Holland style with interplay of large open strapwork scroll in background of varying sized shaded scroll. “Holland & Holland” is in scroll flanked device at front of lockplates. Fences are more deeply engraved with scroll. Bottom of action is engraved “The Royal” and “Hammerless”. Blued top lever is scroll engraved and trigger guard is engraved with non-shaded open scroll with SN on tang which extends to case hardened trap steel grip cap (containing spare strikers and front sight). Nicely marbled and stump figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over orig ribbed horn buttplate. Stock features classic Holland styling, with drop points, point pattern checkering at grip which has reverse curve to rear line, and superbly sculpted right hand shadow line cheekpiece. A gold oval engraved with monogram “NCN” and sling loop matching that on bbl, are on toe line. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 2-7/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Cast: approx 1/4 off. Weight: 9 lbs. 5 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion is lined in scarlet cloth, and has dust divider between lid and bottom compartment. Gold embossed H&H label as well as charge card for this particular rifle, are in lid. Bottom compartment contains an assemblage of orig accessories French-fitted including 3 horn handled turnscrews marked Holland & Holland, and a horn handled striker key, H&H marked round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, pull through cleaning kit in black morocco wallet, lace on leather muzzle protector, carrying sling, broken case extractor, bone striker bottle with ivory fore sight, and wood covered steel cleaning rod, with 1 brush in covered compartment which also contains two keys. PROVENANCE: Nathaniel Cushing Nash; Nathaniel Cushing Jr.; The prestigious personal collection of 4-time Oscar-winning Visual Effects Icon, Richard Edlund; Special Gold Medal winner at first CA Side-by-Side Society Concours d’Elegance of Fine Guns in 2000; Copies of ledger pages indicating that this rifle was finished in July 1905. CONDITION: Excellent, with evidence of casual field use, with silvering and thinning of case hardening colors on fences, beads, and on bottom of action and forend iron as well as top tang, from normal hand wear, otherwise bbls and stocks have only a few handling and assembly marks. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Case leather is still light in color, has some light staining, and a few marks and rubs. Straps and handle are fine. Interior cloth is excellent with compressions and rubs. Labels and accessories are excellent. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please read the Conditions of Sale, section 15, for more information regarding the Endangered Species Act, and your responsibilities as a buyer. 53184-3 MGM (30,000-50,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1181

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1182
$40,250.00

*SUPERB CONDITION SVELTE HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” EJECTOR .360 NE DOUBLE RIFLE IN MAKERS CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, MADE FOR NATHANIEL C. NASH, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. IN 1906.

SN 19354. Cal. .360 2-1/4″ This superb condition rifle has 26″ chopper lump bbls fitted with file cut H & H style quarter rib with one standing, two folding leaf express sight with ivory triangle inset in standing leaf. Matching front ramp is fitted with enamel bead and flip-up night sight. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street. London.” and “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials, London.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 30 grains cordite and 300 grain bullet. SNs and Whitworth sheaf of wheat logos are on bottoms of bbls. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Slim, scaled down case hardened action with slightly rounded bar, is fitted with back locks in usual double rifle manner. Top strap extends over comb, and is fitted with folding peep sight which nestles into recess in strap. Action also features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, disc set strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front checkered). Action and locks are engraved in Holland & Holland house style with full coverage varying sized open shaded scroll with strapwork highlights surrounding “Holland & Holland” in classic H&H arched device on each lockplate. Fences have semi-relief carved acanthus. Bottom of action is engraved “Royal” “Hammerless” “Ejector”. Blued top lever is engraved “Royal Ejector” and trigger guard is engraved with open non-shaded scroll with SN on tang which extends to case hardened trap steel grip cap (spare fore sight in trap). Stump figured and lightly marbled European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over orig ribbed horn buttplate. Stock features classic Holland styling, with drop points, point pattern checkering at grip which has reverse curve to rear line, and superbly sculpted right hand shadow line cheekpiece. A sling loop matching that on bbls and a gold oval engraved with monogram “NCN” are on toe line. Matching splinter “AB” ejector forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 3-3/8″, drop at comb: approx 2-7/8″. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 7 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion is lined in scarlet cloth, and has dust divider between lid and bottom compartment. Gold embossed H&H label as well as charge card for this particular rifle, is in lid. Bottom compartment contains an assemblage of orig accessories French-fitted including 3 horn handled turnscrews marked Holland & Holland, and a horn handled striker key, H&H marked round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, pull through cleaning kit in black morocco wallet, lace on leather muzzle protector, carrying sling, broken case extractor, bone striker bottle with spare strikers and ivory front sight, and wood covered steel cleaning rod, with brush in covered compartment which also contains two keys. PROVENANCE: Nathaniel Cushing Nash; Nathaniel Cushing Jr.; The prestigious personal collection of 4-time Oscar-winning Visual Effects Icon, Richard Edlund; Special Gold Medal winner at first CA Side-by-Side Society Concours d’Elegance of Fine Guns in 2000; Copy of factory ledger pages, indicating rifle was finished Nov 1906. CONDITION: It appears this lovely lightweight rifle was another one of Mr. Nash’s favorites, as it shows evidence of light field use, with silvering and thinning of case hardening colors on fences, beads, and on bottom of action and forend iron from normal hand wear, otherwise bbls and stocks have only a few handling and assembly marks. Bores are excellent. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is still light in color, has a few bumps and rubs. Straps and handle are fine. Interior cloth is excellent with compressions and rubs. Labels and accessories are excellent. Perhaps the ideal New England deer rifle, this cartridge in its nitro loading, is equivalent to the 38-55. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please read the Conditions of Sale, section 15, for more information regarding the Endangered Species Act, and your responsibilities as a buyer. 53184-5 MGM (30,000-50,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1182

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1183
$51,750.00

*EXCELLENT ORIGINAL CONDITION HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” EJECTOR .303 BRITISH DOUBLE RIFLE WITH ORIGINAL SCOPE IN MAKERS CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, MADE FOR NATHANIEL C. NASH, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. IN 1909.

SN 19375. Cal. .303 British. 2-1/4″ This fine condition rifle has 26″ chopper lump bbls fitted with file cut H & H style quarter rib with one standing, two folding leaf express sight with ivory triangle inset in standing leaf, as well as early type H&H scope bases. Matching front ramp is fitted with enamel bead and flip-up night sight. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street. London.” and “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials, London.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs. SNs and Whitworth sheaf of wheat logos are on bottoms of bbls. Case hardened action with slightly rounded bar, is fitted with back locks in usual double rifle manner. Top strap extends over comb, and is fitted with folding peep sight which nestles into recess in strap. Action also features automatic bolted safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, disc set strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front checkered). Locks are hand detachable with patent takedown pin on left side. Action and locks are engraved in Holland & Holland house style with full coverage varying sized open shaded scroll with strapwork highlights surrounding “Holland & Holland” in classic H&H arched device on each lockplate. Fences have semi-relief carved acanthus. Bottom of action is engraved “Royal” “Hammerless” “Ejector”. Blued top lever is engraved “Royal Ejector” and trigger guard is engraved with open non-shaded scroll with SN on tang which extends to case hardened trap steel grip cap. Superb stump figured and lightly marbled European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over orig ribbed horn buttplate. Stock features classic Holland styling, with drop points, point pattern checkering at grip which has reverse curve to rear line, and superbly sculpted right hand shadow line cheekpiece. A gold oval engraved with monogram “NCN” is on toe line. Matching splinter AB ejector forend has Anson release. Rifle is fitted with orig Voightlander Skopar B scope with fine crosshair and dot reticle in orig rings. Top of scope is engraved “Rifle no 19375” “Voightlander”. Scope has its orig brass lens cap. Drop at heel: approx 3-1/2″, drop at comb: approx 2″-. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight without scope: 8 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion is lined in scarlet cloth, and has dust divider between lid and bottom compartment. Gold embossed H&H label as well as charge card for this particular rifle, are in lid. Bottom compartment contains an assemblage of orig accessories French-fitted including 3 horn handled turnscrews marked Holland & Holland, and a horn handled striker key, H&H marked round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, pull through cleaning kit in black morocco wallet, lace on leather muzzle protector, funnel for washing bores, broken case extractor, bone striker bottle with spare strikers and spare front sight, and wood covered steel cleaning rod with 2 brushes, in covered compartment which also contains two keys. PROVENANCE: Nathaniel Cushing Nash; Nathaniel Cushing Jr.; The prestigious personal collection of 4-time Oscar-winning Visual Effects Icon, Richard Edlund; Special Gold Medal winner at first CA Side-by-Side Society Concours d’Elegance of Fine Guns in 2000; Factory email with history and specifications. CONDITION: It appears this fine versatile rifle was one of Mr. Nash’s favorites, as it shows evidence of considerable field use, with silvering and thinning of case hardening colors on fences, beads, and on bottom of action and forend iron as well as edges of trigger guard and top tang, all from normal hand wear, otherwise bbls and stocks have only a few handling and assembly marks. Bores are excellent. Mechanically crisp. Scope is excellent, with a few light scratches in orig lacquer. Optically clear. Case leather is still light in color, has some light staining, and a few marks and rubs. Straps and handle are fine. Interior cloth is excellent with compressions and rubs. Labels and accessories are excellent. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please read the Conditions of Sale, section 15, for more information regarding the Endangered Species Act, and your responsibilities as a buyer. 53184-4 MGM (30,000-50,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1183

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1184
$74,750.00

*EXTRAORDINARY TRUE PAIR OF HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” EJECTOR 12 BORE HEAVY PROOF GAME SHOTGUNS IN MAKERS CASE WITH ACCESSORIES, MADE FOR NATHANIEL C. NASH, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. IN 1905.

SN 23867/23868. Cal. 12 ga. 30″ Dovetailed steel bbls with slightly raised game ribs are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street, London.” “Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid Pressed Steel”. Rear portions of ribs are scroll engraved and gold inlaid with numbers “1” and “2” which also appears on top levers and on forend tips, denoting a true pair. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers and 1-1/4 ounces of shot. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs and Whitworth sheaf of wheat trademarks. Case hardened “Royal” sidelock actions are stocked to the fences and feature automatic safeties (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Actions and locks are engraved in traditional Holland & Holland house style with near full coverage exceptionally well cut varying sized, but mostly large, open shaded acanthus scroll. “Holland & Holland” is in classic arched device on each lockplate. Bottoms of actions are engraved “Royal” “Hammerless” “Ejector”. Blued top levers are engraved “Patent Ejector”. Trigger guards are engraved with open scroll and have SNs on short tangs. Well matched dark finely marbled and nicely stump figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks measure 14-1/4″ over orig ribbed horn buttplates. Stocks feature classic Holland styling with drop points and point pattern checkering on diamond hands. Gold ovals on toe lines are engraved with monogram “NCN”. Matching splinter AB ejector forends have Anson releases. Gun “1”: Bore diameter: left -.729, right – .730. Bore restrictions: left – .035 (full), right – .015 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .026, right – .027. Drop at heel: 2-7/8″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″+. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/4″. Gun “2”: Bore diameter: left -.729, right – .729. Bore restrictions: left – .036 (full), right – .016 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .022, right – .024. Drop at heel: 2-13/16″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/4″. Original makers oak and leather 2-gun case with shaped brass corners and circular central medallion, is lined in scarlet cloth, and has dust divider between lid and bottom compartment in typical Holland “Best” manner. Gold embossed black leather H&H label along with orig charge card for this particular pair of guns is in lid. Bottom compartment contains orig complement of high quality accessories semi-French fitted, including 2-pc ebony and brass cleaning rod with 7″ handle, pair of horn handled H&H marked turnscrews, 2 pairs of snap caps, round pewter oil bottle, 12 bore pull through field cleaning kit, tan leather wallet containing two sets of spare strikers, brushes and mops, H&H bench cloth, and the key. PROVENANCE: Nathaniel Cushing Nash; Nathaniel Cushing Jr.; The prestigious personal collection of 4-time Oscar-winning Visual Effects Icon, Richard Edlund; Special Gold Medal winner at first CA Side-by-Side Society Concours d’Elegance of Fine Guns in 2000; Copy of factory ledger page indicating guns were made in 1905. CONDITION: Absolutely phenomenal, original, as found, very close to new, with only a few very light handling and assembly marks in all orig finishes. Gun “2” shows evidence of light field use, with a touch of silvering on fences, and firing halos on breechface. Bores are excellent. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is still light in color, with some scrapes and rubs, and a touch of soiling. Straps and handle are very fine. Interior cloth is excellent with marks and light compressions from contents, with a bit of soiling where actions rest. Accessories are excellent. Reference specimens! 53184-1 MGM (45,000-65,000) C&R – Lot 1184

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1185
$120,750.00

*STUNNING BEAUTIFULLY MATCHED PAIR OF 28 GAUGE HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL DELUXE” SHOTGUNS WITH SUPERBLY RENDERED DRAMATIC SCROLL AND FINELY DETAILED TWO-COLOR GOLD INLAYS BY SIMON COGGAN, WITH CUSTOM FACTORY CASE.

SN 41378/ 41379. Cal. 28 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 28″ Chopper lump bbls are gold inlaid “Holland & Holland. London. England.” on narrow, swamped, game ribs. Nos “1” and “2” are gold inlaid at rear portions of ribs, as well as on top levers and forend tips. Single gold bands surround breech ends of bbls. Bbl flats are stamped with 2000 London nitro proofs, and with importers name and address. Bbls are fitted with Holland & Holland patent self-opening assist springs. Small sized coin finished sidelock “Royal” actions feature automatic safeties, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Actions and locks are decorated with a well thought out panoply of large shaded scroll accented by two-color flush gold inlay of light gold sprays of foliage and darker gold birds. Some birds are full bodied, most are just heads peeping (pun intended) from behind gold leaves and tendrils of scroll. Gun “1” has full bodied grouse on left lock has heads of pheasant, wood pigeons, partridge, and quail; right lock with duck, pheasant, woodcock, and grouse. Bottom of action depicts 3/4 view of a quail along with woodcock and grouse heads. A pair of quail are on trigger guard bow, and head of pheasant is on tang. Gun “2” with full bodied pheasant on left lock has heads of grouse, quail, and ducks, with grouse, ducks and woodcock on right. A grouse and duck, as well as pheasant and quail, are on bottom, with heads of a pair of quail on trigger guard bow and grouse at rear of tang. “Holland & Holland” in gold is on scrolled ribbon on each lockplate, and SN is in gold on trigger guard tangs. The number of individual gold inlays is probably well over 100 per gun, and this unusual treatment even extends to Anson release rod housings on insides of forends. All work is masterfully done by the revered prodigy master engraver, Simon Coggan, who early in his career took training in his father, Phillip Coggan’s shop to learn the intricacies of the Bulino technique; later evolving his own style of shading, which is evident in this particular work. His signature “S.COGGAN” appears on trigger plates of both guns. Superbly matched exhibition quality intricately marbled lightly stump figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks are classically styled with drop points and point pattern checkering at grips, along with vacant gold ovals on bottoms, and measure 15″ over checkered wood butts. Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson releases. Gun no “1”: Bore diameter: left -.550, right – .550. Bore restrictions: left – .023 (full), right – Gun.015 (mod). Drop at heel: 1-15/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 5 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 15″. Gun no “2”: Bore diameter: left -.550, right – .551. Bore restrictions: left – .022 (full), right – .014 (mod). Drop at heel: 1-15/16″-, drop at comb: 1-3/8″+. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 15″. Makers highest quality oak and dark brown leather case with brass corners has tan canvas leather trimmed outer cover, central medallion embossed “L. W. W”. Interior is lined in dark green suede surrounding inset gold embossed black leather H&H label in lid. Bottom is nicely fitted for both guns, with accessories semi-French fitted. These accessories include 2-pc brass and composition cleaning rod, 3 ebony handled turnscrews, ebony handled chamber brush, 2 pairs of H&H marked gold plated snap caps with horn bodies, and gold plated H&H round oil bottle. PROVENANCE: The Estate of noted CO Springs,CO entrepreneur Larry W. Wiedeman. CONDITION: Excellent, very close to “as new”, with only a few very minor handling and assembly marks in all finishes. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Case leather is nearly as new, protected by its outer cover, which has some light scuffs and marks in leather. Interior is excellent. Accessories are excellent. An incredible over-the-top pair of guns. 53046-1 MGM (125,000-175,000) – Lot 1185

1186
$40,250.00

*FINE CASED PAIR OF 16 GAUGE HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” HAMMERLESS EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER GAME SHOTGUNS ONCE THE PROPERTY OF MARY MILLICENT ABIGAIL ROGERS, SOCIALITE, FASHION ICON, AND ART COLLECTOR.

SN 30573/ 30574. (ca 1922) Cal. 16 ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. 28″ Chopper lump bbls with swamped game ribs are engraved “Holland & Holland” “98 New Bond Street, London.” on tops. Breech ends of ribs are gold inlaid “1” or “2” with matching numbers on top levers, and forend tips. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2″ chambers. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. Case hardened “Royal” actions are stocked to the fences and feature automatic safeties (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, H&H patent hand detachable locks by Brazier, and single non-selective H&H triggers. Actions are engraved in unusual pattern of near full coverage large varying sized open shaded scrolling acanthus with floral highlights. “Holland & Holland” instead of being in its normal device at center of locks, is surrounded by scroll at bottoms toward fronts. Fences are engraved with stylized shells. “Royal” “Hammerless” “Ejector” is on bottom of each action in unusual scroll surrounded geometric devices. Trigger plates are engraved “HOLLAND’S” “SINGLE TRIGGER”. Small bow, single beaded blued trigger guards have open scroll on bows, and SNs on short tangs. Lightly streaked and figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks with classic drop points and point pattern checkering on diamond hands, measure 14-3/4″ over checkered wood butts on 1-3/4″ lengthening pieces. There are two gold ovals on toe lines, one set engraved “M. M. R” matching initials on case, and the other set engraved “P. P. R”. Matching splinter ejector AB ejector forends have Anson releases. Gun no. “1”: Bore diameter: left -.664, right – .665. Bore restrictions: left – .014 (mod), right – .011 (lt mod). Wall thickness: left – .029, right – .025. Drop at heel: 2-3/4″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Cast: approx 1/4 off. Weight: 5 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Gun “2”: Bore diameter: left -.664, right – .663. Bore restrictions: left – .015 (mod), right – .005 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .026, right – .026. Drop at heel: 2-3/4″-, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Cast: approx 1/8 off. Weight: 5 lbs. 15oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Makers orig leather 2 gun case is embossed “M. M. Rogers” on top. Interior is lined in scarlet cloth and has gold embossed H&H label in lid, and orig charge card for this particular pair of guns. Case contains bone striker bottle and two pairs of H&H marked snap caps. PROVENANCE: Wikipedia information on the life of Mary Millicent Abigail Rogers. CONDITION: Excellent, mostly original. Bbls retain approx 95% orig blue with quite a number of light marks and scratches, mostly toward breech ends. Actions retain approx 90% orig case hardening color, silvered on fences and beads. Lockplates retain nearly all of their orig color. Finish on gun “1” is at the lower end of the scale, and shows considerably more wear than gun “2”. Top levers are silvered a bit on thumbpieces. Blue on trigger guards is silvering on beads and edges, thinning at grips. Stocks retain most of their orig oil finish. Butts are partially refinished with new oil added at time of addition of lengthening pieces, which are painted in to match fairly well. Bores are excellent. Actions are tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time on gun “1”, trigger works well. Gun “2” trigger will not set up for second shot, undoubtedly needs cleaning, as guns have been in storage for a long time. Case leather is darkening, has some water stains, numerous rubs, with some tape marks and paint. Interior cloth is good, some soiling. Label is very fine. Charge card is soiled and foxed. Partitions have been altered to allow for lengthening pieces. 53013-1 MGM (25,000-35,000) C&R – Lot 1186

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1187
$13,800.00

*HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” HAMMERLESS EJECTOR SELF-OPENING HEAVY GAME SHOTGUN WITH CASE.

SN 33815. (ca 1955) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 30″ Chopper lump bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland” “98, New Bond Street, London.” on tops either side of slightly raised, narrow, matted, concave game rib with “3” gold inlaid at rear. “3” is also in gold on top lever and on forend tip. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers, and with importers name and address (BSA NY Millbrook). Bbls are fitted with H&H type self-opening assist spring assembly. Rear portion of bottom rib is engraved “MADE IN ENGLAND”. “Royal” sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved in classic “Royal” style with near full coverage varying sized shaded scroll. “Holland & Holland” is in classic device on each lockplate, and “Royal Model” is on bottom of action and “MADE IN ENGLAND” is on hinge pin cover. Single beaded trigger guard has scroll on bow and SN on short tang. HIgh quality newly made straight grip buttstock is of spectacular burl figured European walnut and measures 15-1/4″ over checkered wood butt, and features classic point pattern checkering, drop points, and vacant gold oval. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.731, right – .730. Bore restrictions: left – .038 (extra full), right – .021 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .021, right – .022. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Neutral cast. Weight: 6 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 15-1/4″. Older makers oak and leather case (gun 20230) with leather corners and central brass medallion is embossed “G. V. Hordern” “60th RIFLES”. Interior is lined in scarlet cloth, and has large paper H&H label along with aforementioned charge label with SN in lid. Case contains an old 2-pc cleaning rod and a new H&H marked oil bottle, and snap caps. CONDITION: Fine, as refurbished. Bbls retain nearly all of a satin rust re-black over some light marks. Front portion of rib lifted slightly at juncture with rear portion. Action and lockplates are cleaned to mostly a mottled coin finish. Newly made stocks retain essentially all of their orig finish. Bores are fine, lightly frosted at breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is dark, stained, and rubbed. Renewed interior cloth is very fine, with some rubs. Label is foxed. Snap caps are missing their “primers”. 52530-1 (12,500-17,500) C&R – Lot 1187

1188
$11,500.00

*VERY FINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND HEAVY PROOF ROYAL HAMMERLESS EJECTOR “CONTINENTAL PIGEON” SHOTGUN WITH CASE AND FACTORY LETTER.

SN 29043. (1925) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. This special Holland Royal, made with hidden third fastener, side clips, and hinged front trigger, was listed in contemporary catalogs as a “special pigeon or waterfowl gun”. These guns also normally had matted, flat ribs. Guns with this configuration by Holland & Holland are quite unusual. This example has 30″ chopper lump bbls with low, concave, game rib, engraved “Holland & Holland.” and “98 New Bond Street, London.” on tops. Gun is one of a pair with the number “1” gold inlaid on scroll engraved portion at rear of rib, top lever, and forend tip. (Gun comes in two gun case. Charge card lists this gun and another, gun no. 29163, as a pair.) Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 1-1/4 oz shot. Robust, Royal sidelock action is stocked to the fences, and fitted with automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), aforementioned third fastener, side clips, and articulated front trigger, along with H & H patent detachable lock pin, and gold band tumbler end cocking indicators. Action and lockplates are engraved with classic H & H house style large, shaded scroll with acanthus highlights, having “Holland & Holland” engraved in scrolled device on each lockplate, and bottom of action with “Royal” “Hammerless” “Ejector”. Blued top lever is engraved “Royal Ejector”. Single beaded trigger guard with short tang is scroll engraved and has SN at grip. Well marbled and lightly fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over black leather faced Silver type pad, and features diamond hand, drop points, classic flat top point pattern checkering with mullered borders, and a gold oval on toe line engraved “L. C. C”. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left-.731, right -.731. Bore restrictions: left -.016 (Lt Mod), right -.010 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.023, right -.026. Drop at heel: 2-5/16″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Weight: 6 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Makers oak and leather two gun case with brass corners and push button latch is embossed “L. C. C.” on top. Interior is lined in scarlet cloth with gold embossed black leather Holland & Holland label in lid, along with charge card for this gun and its mate. Case contains 3-pc ebony and brass cleaning rod, snap caps, round oil bottle, horn striker bottle, 3 rosewood handled turnscrews, and some cleaning equipment and case straps. PROVENANCE: Factory letter and copy of ledger page, stating gun was completed 1925 for “Stebbins” as a “Continental model Pigeon gun” made to pair with “29163”. Copies of shooting reports stating that gun was re-regulated in 1927, and again in 1931. Reproduction of 1920 catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining approx 90% of what appears to be orig blue on bbls, but is most likely a high quality older re-blue. Action retains a considerable amount of its orig muted case hardening color, but is mostly pewter gray. Trigger guard with traces of blue is mostly silver. Stocks retain most of what is likely orig oil finish with numerous marks and rubs from normal handling and wear. Checkering is slightly worn and dirty. There are a few minor chips missing from sharp edges of forend toward tip, and incipient 1/4″ crack behind top tang of action. Bores are excellent, smooth, bright, and shiny throughout, with one minor ping on bottom of left bbl, about 5″ back from muzzle. A hint of looseness is felt with forend off. Action feels tight with forend in place. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather has splotches of darkening, slight crazing, and a number of rubs through top grain. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth has some minor insect damage, rubs and soiling. Label is fine, with some rubs through. Accessories are excellent. 53123-1 MGM (10,000-15,000) C&R – Lot 1188

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1189
$12,650.00

*LOVELY OLD HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL” HAMMERLESS EJECTOR LIGHT GAME SHOTGUN MADE FOR RUSSIAN PRINCE SERGEI BELOSSELSKY WITH ORIGINAL TWO-GUN CASE AND CARTRIDGE MAGAZINE.

SN 22639. (1900) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 30″ Dovetailed bbls fitted with swamped game rib are engraved “Holland & Holland” “98. New Bond Street, London.” on tops. Rear portion of rib is inlaid “1” in gold. This gun was number “1” of a pair, with “1” also gold inlaid on top lever, and engraved on inside of forend iron. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2″ chambers. SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls. Case hardened “Royal” sidelock action is stocked to the fences and features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. This gun predates Holland’s hand detachable lock system, and has not been retrofitted. Action and locks are engraved with superbly cut and shaded varying sized open scroll in what was to become Holland’s “house style”. “Holland & Holland” is in now classic arched device on each lockplate. Bottom of action is engraved “Royal” “Hammerless” “Ejector”. Fences are more deeply engraved with matching scroll having floral terminations and strapwork highlights. Blued top lever is engraved “Patent Ejector”, and trigger guard with open scroll on bow has SN on tang. Very nicely marbled and attractively fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 15-3/8″ over leather covered Silver type pad. Stock also features typical drop points, classic point pattern checkering on diamond hand, and a gold oval on toe line engraved “V.K.” Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.729, right – .730. Bore restrictions: left – .002 (cyl), right – .001 (cyl). (Factory ledger page indicates that this is the orig choke configuration for these bbls. Both are listed as “good cyl.”) Wall thickness: left – .026, right – .024. Drop at heel: 2-13/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Cast about 1/2″ off. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 15-3/8″. Orig oak and leather 2-gun case with brass corners and central medallion, is lined in blue cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Holland & Holland label in lid, along with orig charge card for the pair of guns and information card pertaining to ejectors. Bottom compartment is separated by a hinged dust cover. Also included is an oak and leather brass bound ammunition magazine with space for approx 600 shot shells. Brass oval screwed to top is engraved “Prince S Belosselsky Krestofsky St. Petersbourg.” Orig factory ledger indicates that this gun was made for “Belloselsky”. PROVENANCE: Copy of ledger page confirming orig specifications, and that this gun was originally choked cylinder and cylinder. Digital scans of old family photographs showing Prince Belloselsky using this gun in the company of Tsar Nicholas II. This gun was consigned by the husband of the original owners granddaughter. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a well done rust re-blue over light marks. Engraving remains clear. Action retains approx 30% orig case hardening color, strong where protected, pleasingly silvered on normal wear points. Lockplates retain approx 80% orig color, left lock possibly somewhat stronger. Top lever has silver highlights, silvered on thumbpiece. Trigger guard retains 15 – 20% blue, mostly on bow. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish over some light marks, and with a few subsequent marks, checkering competently re-cut. There is a repaired 5/8″ crack behind left lockplate, and another small crack behind top tang, both appear to be stable. 1/2″ x 1-1/2″ replacement piece has been set into left side of forend near tip. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Safety button is sluggish (needs lubrication). Case leather is good, with numerous bumps and marks, and there are 4 tape marks around center. Orig straps and handle are good. Key lock escutcheon is missing a screw. Interior cloth is good with some insect damage. Labels are fine. Bottom section has detached partitions and glued-in green cloth repairs are in some areas. Cartridge magazine is very good. Interior missing four partitions. 52559-1 (10,000-20,000) C&R – Lot 1189

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1190
$0.00

*HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER GAME SHOTGUN WITH CASE AND FACTORY WEAPON HISTORY.

SN 17304. Cal. 12 ga. 3″ Chambers. 26″ Dovetailed steel bbls with swamped game rib are engraved “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “98 New Bond Street. London.” on tops. Gun is number one of a pair with the numeral “1” gold inlaid on engraved portion at rear of rib, top lever, and engraved on forend iron. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2″ chambers. SN is on bottoms of bbls. Case hardened Royal action is stocked to the fences and features orig Holland single trigger, automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and gold band tumbler end cocking indicators. Action and lockplates are engraved with large, bold, open, shaded scroll, as sometimes done before H & H settled on their “house” style of large scroll and acanthus. “Holland & Holland” is in arched riband at front of each lockplate. Bottom of action is engraved “ROYAL” “HAMMERLESS” “EJECTOR”. Trigger guard has small bow and SN on short tang is also scroll engraved. Lightly fiddle figured and well streaked European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over checkered wood butt, and features drop points, classic point pattern checkering with mullered borders, and a gold oval on toe line engraved “J. P. W. Jr”. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left-.732, right -.731. Bore restrictions: left -.003 plus .006 recess (probably shoots a modified pattern), right -.002 plus .002 recess (IC). Wall thickness: left -.020 (at recess, otherwise .024 – .026), right -.024. Drop at heel: 2-5/16″, drop at comb: 1-5/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Light tan leather case with stitched leather corners is lined in dark green cloth and has gold embossed H&H label in lid. Case contains 2-pc composition and brass cleaning rod with brush, H&H marked horn handled turnscrew, round oil bottle, and snap caps. PROVENANCE: Factory letter with orig specifications. Copy of ledger page. G & H information regarding history of this gun, and its ownership, as shown in their records. CONDITION: Very fine, as refurbished. Bbls retain 95% + fine quality satin rust blue. Action and lockplates retain a considerable amount of their orig case hardening color, strongest on lockplates. Newly made buttstock is of very high quality with correctly shaped drop points and well done checkering, and retains most of its orig finish, forend refinished, checkering re-cut, and 1-1/4″ x 8″ sliver missing from left side. Work done on this gun includes bbl work consisting of shortening orig 30″ bbls to 26″, correctly plugging voids at muzzles, and doing recessed choke, making this a fine, well balanced upland gun. Bores are excellent. Action is slightly loose. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. Case is very fine with some staining. Interior cloth is excellent. Accessories are excellent. 53157-4 MGM (8,000-12,000) C&R – Lot 1190

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1191
$34,500.00

*GROUP OF THREE HOLLAND & HOLLAND SESQUICENTENNIAL SHOTGUNS, TWO OF A THREE GUN SET, WHICH COMMEMORATED THE EVOLUTION OF HOLLAND & HOLLAND GUNS, A PERCUSSION 10 BORE AND A 12 GAUGE BAR-IN-WOOD HAMMER GUN; ALONG WITH 20 GAUGE BAR-IN-WOOD HAMMER GUN, WHICH IS NO. 11 OF A LIMITED RUN OF 15.

SN 41020/41021/41015. SN: 41020. Cal. 10 ga. Percussion Shotgun. 30″ Twist bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland” and “33 Bruton Street, London.” on tops. Concave game rib is gold inlaid “THE 1985 SESQUICENTENNIAL SET OF THREE”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with 1985 London black powder proofs for 4 drams of black powder, and with SNs. An ebony ramrod with German silver head and tail (steel worm under cap) is held by two plain pipes. Nicely filed case hardened patent breeches have platinum blow-outs. Breech iron with integral fences is nicely scroll engraved. Bar locks with tall round bodied serpentine hammers with dolphin heads, are engraved with well cut scroll surrounding nicely cut vignettes of gentlemen shooters in percussion era attire, shooting and loading a percussion gun. Forward portion of locks are engraved with game birds over “Holland & Holland”. Trigger plate has fancy filed pineapple finial which matches thimble. Trigger guard and long spurred steel buttplate are also scroll engraved. SN is in gold on trigger guard tang. Classically shaped and finished stock is of fiddle figured and nicely marbled European walnut, and is classically checkered at grip and forepiece. Stock attaches to bbls with captive side bolt through oval steel escutcheons. Bore diameter: left -.773, right – .768. Wall thickness: left – .026, right – .032. Drop at heel: 2-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Cast: neutral. Weight: 7 lbs. 11 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″.

SN: 41021. 12 ga. Bar-in-wood hammer gun: Although Holland & Holland was never known to have made bar-in-wood guns, they used this distinctive styling for this showpiece of their sesquicentennial. This particular gun has 29″ chopper lump bbls with H&H name and address engraved on tops. Game rib is gold inlaid “THE 1985 SESQUICENTENNIAL SET OF THREE”. Bbl flats are stamped with 1985 London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. Top lever action is case hardened and fitted with rebounding bar locks with flat faced serpentine hammers. Action is engraved with sprays of scroll and “Holland & Holland” on each side of bar. Locks are engraved with scroll, repeating the theme on the percussion gun, but with Edwardian attired sportsmen at rear portions of plates, reloading and shooting breechloading guns. Front portions of locks are engraved with rabbits. Trigger plate has large round finial with feather engraved spur. Single beaded trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN in gold on tang. Fiddle figured and nicely marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock matches wood found on the percussion gun very well, and features classic Holland & Holland drop points and diamond hand. Gun is finished with point pattern checkering at grip, and checkered wood butt. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.724, right – .725. Bore restrictions: left – .034 (full), right – .018 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .030, right – .032. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Cast: neutral. Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″.

SN: 41015. 20 ga. Bar-in-Wood Hammer Gun: This gun has 28″ chopper lump bbls with H&H name and address engraved on tops. Game rib is silver inlaid “THE 1985 SESQUICENTENNIAL HAMMER GUN NO. 11 OF 15”. Bbl flats are stamped with 1985 London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. Top lever action is case hardened and fitted with rebounding bar locks with flat faced serpentine hammers. Action is engraved with sprays of scroll with rose bouquet highlights. This treatment extends to locks and hammers. “Holland & Holland” is at the front of each lockplate. Trigger plate has large round finial with feather engraved spur. Single beaded trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN in gold on tang. Intricately marbled and stump figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-5/8″ over checkered wood butt, and features classic drop points, diamond hand with point pattern checkered grip, and a vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.615, right – .615. Bore restrictions: left – .024 (Imod), right: .015 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .024, right – .022. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Cast: neutral. Weight: 5 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-5/8″. CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new, with only a few light handling marks in all wood and metal finishes. Guns appear unfired except for the 20 bore which shows evidence of light field use, with a few nicks in bbl blue, and some brush marks and light dings on butt. There is a scrape in finish of forend tip. Mechanically excellent, but sluggish due to congealed oil. A once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire some unique Holland guns. 53052-4 MGM (30,000-50,000) C&R – Lot 1191

1192
$11,500.00

HOLLAND & HOLLAND 28 GA. TOP LEVER HAMMER GAME SHOTGUN WITH EXTRA .410 BARRELS AND CASE.

SN 8480. (ca. 1885) Cal. 28 Ga. 2-1/2″ and .410 3″ Chambers. Nicely browned 28 Ga. 28″ Damascus barrels are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98 New Bond Street. London.” and “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials, 1883″ on concave game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs, “Not for Ball”, “28B”, and “30M”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SN. Bottom of right bbl is stamped “H39”. Left side of loop is stamped “F.H” (probably the initials of the actual manufacturer of this gun). Very finely made 28″ chopper lump .410 barrels are engraved “410.Ga” on concave game rib with scroll engraving at breech end. Bbl flats are stamped with 1985 Italian nitro proofs, and “Flli Rizzini”. Flats are also engraved “1889”. Rounded bar top lever action has well filed fences. Peninsula back action rebounding locks have short rounded serpentine hammers. Action, locks and lockplates are engraved with nicely cut English shaded scroll. Each lockplate is engraved “Holland & Holland”. Trigger guard has scroll on bow, with SN on long tang. Fairly dark nicely marbled and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/2″ over ribbed horn buttplate, and features flat top checkering and a vacant gold oval on toe line. Matching splinter forend with shaped steel tip has Deeley release. 28 Ga. BBLS: Bore diameter: left -.563, right -.557. Bore restrictions: left -.005 (IC), right -.009 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.022, right -.022. Drop at heel: 2-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-11/16″. Neutral cast. Weight: 4 lbs. 13 oz, LOP 14-1/2″. 410 BBLS: Bore diameter at muzzles: left -.375 (full), right -.390 (mod). Wall thickness: left -.036, right -.032. Weight: 5 lbs. 6 oz. Dark brown leather Nizzoli case has stitched leather corners, is lined with olive felt and has Nizzoli gold emblem. Partitions are semi-french fitted for this gun. Case contains Filli Rizzini proof certificate for .410 bbls and the key. PROVENANCE: Daryl Middlebrook collection. CONDITION: Very fine, as refurbished. Damascus bbls retain 95% of high quality re-brown with good definition to pattern. Engraving on rib has been picked up. Bores are bright and shiny, but with numerous scattered pits mostly in right bbl toward muzzle. 410 bbls retain virtually all of their orig lustrous black. Bores have no visible imperfections. Action and locks are mostly silver to gray with traces of case color in protected areas, with areas of some light pinprick pitting. Stocks retain virtually all of a quality rubbed oil finish with a few minor marks, mostly on left side of buttstock. Checkering has been re-cut. Action is tight and on face with lever well to the right of center with both sets of bbls. Locks are crisp. Case is near new with only a few minor marks on exterior leather. Orig 28 ga. guns from this period are extremely scarce. Gun has great dimensions and handling characteristics. Beautifully made .410 barrels are an added bonus. 53097-15 MGM (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1192

1193
$120,750.00

*AN INCREDIBLE FIND, THE FIRST WOODWARDS MADE AFTER PURDEY’S RESURRECTED THIS FAMOUS BRAND; A PAIR OF 20 GAUGE SIDELOCK EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER OVER-UNDER GAME SHOTGUNS WITH CASE.

SN 7185/7186. Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. Purdey’s bought the Woodward name and patents in June 1948 and builds their OU guns to this patent. No “Woodward’s” were made until 1997 when these two guns were produced. They have 28″ demi-bloc bbls fitted with Teague chokes, and with solid matted ribs gold inlaid “1” and “2” on breech ends denoting a true pair. (“1” and “2” also appear on top levers and forend tips.) Left sides of top bbls are engraved “J. Woodward & Sons” and with Purdey’s famous Audley House South Audley Street London address. Bbl flats are stamped with 1995 London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers, and with SNs. Case hardened low profile OU actions with automatic safeties (made in classic Woodward T-shape) and gold-plated single triggers, follow traditional Woodward styling with slight reinforce to action bars, and usual house style Woodward engraving consisting of 80% coverage sprays of well cut scroll around circular rose bouquets on lockplates which are also engraved “J. Woodward & Sons” in classic Woodward parchment scroll flanked devices. Bottoms of actions are engraved “Woodward’s” “PATENT” “Under & Over”. Blued trigger guards with scroll on bows have SNs in shaded fields on tangs which extend to horn grip caps. Stocks also recreate Woodward style with long sweeping “Prince of Wales” grips and sloping rise to combs. Stocks are of nicely matched, well veined and somewhat fiddle figured European walnut, and measure 15-3/4″ over checkered wood butts. Matching small one piece forends have Anson releases. Ejector work is gold-plated. Gun “1”: Bore diameter: top -.613, bottom – .613. Bore restrictions: Teague screw chokes. Wall thickness: top – .031, bottom – .032. Drop at heel: 2-1/8″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 15-3/4″. Gun “2”: Bore diameter: top -.613, bottom – .613. Bore restrictions: Teague screw chokes. Wall thickness: top – .032, bottom – .029. Drop at heel: 2-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 15-3/4″. High quality leather case with stitched leather corners is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Woodward Audley House label in lid. CONDITION: Excellent with evidence of some field use. Bbls have silvering at muzzles and sharp edges, with a few light dings along edges of ribs, consistent with being run in and out of full length field carrying cases. Actions are somewhat silvered on beads with color thinning a bit around bottoms. Trigger guards silvered on edges. Stocks show scattered light marks and scratches in their orig finishes, with considerable ring marks and other scratches on forends, with finish wearing thin. This is most evident on gun “2”. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Case leather shows only a scattering of light marks, and a few rubs. Straps and handle remain strong. Interior cloth is excellent, as is label. 53052-5 MGM (60,000-80,000) C&R – Lot 1193

1194
$0.00

*EXCEEDINGLY RARE, HENRY ATKIN WOODWARD PATTERN, OVER-UNDER SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME SHOTGUN WITH ORIGINAL CASE.

SN 3217. (ca 1935) Cal. 12 ga. 2-5/8″ Chambers. Maker of unequaled “best” guns, Henry Atkin seems to have either purchased actions in the white from best London makers, or completely built his guns in-house, to proven patterns, and many of his customers were among the wealthiest in the world, including J. P. Morgan. He was innovative and his “Purdey” pattern side by side doubles had improved geometry to the spring cocking system yielding an easier closing gun. This Woodward pattern OU is the first seen by this cataloger, and according to SN was made well before Purdey’s acquired Woodward in 1948. It has 30″ demi-bloc bbls fitted with raised ventilated matted rib, and no side ribs. Muzzles are held by double yoke. Right side of top bbl is stamped with London proofs matching those on bottom flat for 2-1/2″ chambers. Left side of top bbl is engraved “Henry Atkin Ltd (From Purdey’s) 88. Jermyn St. London. S. W.” Woodward type low profile OU sidelock action features automatic safety and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with 90% coverage well cut classic English rose and scroll with “Henry Atkin Ltd” at bottom of each lockplate and in forend iron mortise on bottom of action. Scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang. Very fine burl and fiddle figured dark European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 15″ over checkered hard rubber buttplate. Point pattern checkering is at grip, and a vacant gold oval is on toe line. Matching one piece ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: top -.731, bottom – .730. Bore restrictions: top – .041 (extra full), bottom – .040 (extra full). Wall thickness: top – .022, bottom – .026. Drop at heel: 1-15/16″, drop at comb: 1-9/16″. Cast: approx 5/8 off. Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 15″. Original makers leather case which is of tapered shape is lined in green cloth and has Henry Atkin Ltd. St. James’s Street paper label in lid, along with a new charge card with specifications for this gun. Case contains a pair of Henry Atkin marked snap caps and some cleaning equipment. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain essentially all of a best London re-black, engraving still clear and sharp. Action retains 25 – 35% orig case hardening color, strong where protected by fences, otherwise nicely silvered overall. Locks retain over 80% of their orig color. Top lever is silvered on thumbpiece, and trigger guard retains most of what appears to be an old re-blue. Temper blue of pins renewed. Stocks retain essentially all of a hand rubbed oil refinish with some subsequent light marks, checkering competently re-cut. Bores are excellent with a hint of frosting in bottom bbl. Action is tight. Top bbl is slightly off face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather has numerous rubs and marks. Handle is good. One strap is missing its end, the other replaced. Interior cloth is good, considerably rubbed and soiled. Atkin label is foxed. Accessories are good. A wonderful old British OU undoubtedly with more stories to tell. 53177-7 MGM (30,000-50,000) C&R – Lot 1194

1195
$0.00

*”MADE TO IMPRESS” THE LEGENDARY FREDERICK SCALES KELL ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME SHOTGUN WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES.

SN H22269. (ca 1900) Cal. 12 ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. The story of this interesting gun is that Frederick C. Scales, a long time Purdey stocker, married a German girl, and that he built this fine gun for himself to show off the British gun trade while shooting with his in-laws. He started with a Holland & Holland type action and commandeered friends in the gun trade to complete this interesting testimonial. It has 30″ dovetailed bbls engraved “Frederick C. Scales. London.” on hand matted game rib. Rear portion of rib and breeches of bbls are engraved with 2-1/2″ triangles of nicely cut open shaded acanthus scroll with strapwork highlights. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2″ chambers. SN is on splinter. H&H type sidelock action is engraved “F. C. Scales London” on water table and is stocked to the fences. It features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Locks are fitted with H&H type hand detachable pin. Action is flamboyantly engraved with full coverage well cut, high relief, large open scrolling acanthus with floral and strapwork highlights. Fences are relief carved with leaves and scroll. This dramatic scroll surrounds relief gold inlaid greenman’s face on bottom which appears to be a wild eyed caricature of the kaiser, or perhaps Hitler. Lockplates are gold inlaid with griffins in recumbent poses. Griffins on right side (one flying, the other passant) have pheasant heads. Other areas on this interesting gun are done in a similar manner with a gold inlaid pheasant on top lever, and a partridge in gold on trigger guard bow. Safety button is full relief engraved with grotesque face. All this interesting and well executed work is by the famed Harry Kell, engraver to the trade, often engaged by Purdey’s for special projects. Well marbled and lightly figured European walnut steel capped pistol grip buttstock was made by Scales himself, and has Germanic treatment of right hand shadow line beaded cheekpiece. It has standard Purdey type drop points and grip checkering. It measures 15-1/8″ over Silver pad. Rectangular steel crest plate on toe line is relief engraved with maple leaves around “F C S” in relief gold. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has steel central diamond with more relief engraving having caricature of “North Wind” at center with gold inlaid eyes and nose. Forend tip has gold inlay of portrait of a spaniel. Interior of iron is also fully scroll engraved, with central device engraved “Made By” “Frederick C. Scales” “38 Years With J. Purdey & Sons” “LONDON” “1940”. Bore diameter: left -.732, right – .730. Bore restrictions: left – .028 (IMod), right – .014 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .026, right – .025. Drop at heel: 2-5/8″-, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Cast: neutral. Weight: 6 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 15-1/8″. Older leather case is embossed “J. P. DALGLEISH” and is lined in burgundy cloth and contains cleaning equipment, square oil bottle, snap caps, and Purdey bench cloth. A group of photographs, some of the interior of this gun, others of master engraver Ken Hunt, and Bill O’Brien, ex-Purdey stocker, as well as David Trevallion, (who was apprenticed to O’Brien) holding this gun. PROVENANCE: SHOOTING TIMES, March 15, 1990 with article about this gun. Book: GUN CRAFT by Vic Venters who has a chapter on “The Scales Gun.” p. 229 – 244. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. BBls retain nearly all of a best black, thinning a bit on sides, with some light marks. Action retains a considerable amount of a muted orig case hardening color, percentage difficult to ascertain because of extensive engraving, highlights are attractively silvered. Stocks retain most of an old oil finish, with some marks and small dings. Checkering has been cleaned up. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is fine. Straps are new. Handle is good. Interior cloth is good with some slight insect damage, label removed. 53177-13 MGM (30,000-50,000) C&R – Lot 1195

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1196
$51,750.00

*WONDERFUL PAIR OF SELF-OPENING SINGLE TRIGGER SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME SHOTGUNS BY JAMES PURDEY WITH MAGNIFICENT GOLD INLAID BIRDS AND METICULOUS SCROLL BY MARCUS HUNT, WITH CASE.

SN 28533/28534. (1982) Cal. 12 ga. 28″ Chopper lump bbls with slightly raised matted game ribs gold inlaid “1” or “2” on breech ends, denoting a pair, are engraved “J. Purdey & Sons Audley House, South Audley Street, London England.” on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with 1985 London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs and bottoms of left bbls with bbl makers initials “PS”. Tube nos. “74441” and “74442” are on loop of gun “1”, and “74443” and “74444” are on gun “2”. Case hardened self-opening sidelock actions feature automatic safeties (SAFE inlaid in gold), disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and single non-selective triggers. Actions and lockplates are engraved with Purdey house style small rose and scroll bouquets interrupted by and surrounding superbly detailed semi-relief renderings in gold of scenes of birds in flight. A pair of gold woodcock are flying through gold alder branches and leaves on left lockplate of gun “1”, with group of doves rising from trees on right. Bottom of action portrays a woodcock nestled in leaf litter. Gun “2” has trio of mallards settling into marsh on left, and covey of bobwhite quail taking wing on right. A woodcock settles down through branches on bottom of this action. The superbly cut scroll and fine game scenes are by Marcus Hunt, accomplished son of all time great Ken Hunt. His signature is at the bottom of each game scene. Small bow trigger guards have SNs in gold on tangs, which extend to horn grip caps. Well marbled and nicely figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstocks measure 15-3/4″ over checkered wood butts, and feature classic styling with well executed drop points and point pattern checkering at grips. Toe lines have individual gold initials “D D” inlet. Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson releases, and are not stamped with actioners initials. Gun “1”: Bore diameter: left -.728, right – .726. Bore restrictions: left – .025 (mod), right – .017 (lt mod). Wall thickness: left – .030, right – .034. Drop at heel: 1-15/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Cast: approx 1/4 off. Weight: 6 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 15-3/4″. Gun “2”: Bore diameter: left -.728, right – .727. Bore restrictions: left – .022 (mod), right – .017 (lt mod). Wall thickness: left – .032, right – .031. Drop at heel: 2-1/8″, drop at comb: 1-5/16″. Cast: approx 5/8 off. Weight: 6 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 15-3/4″. Guns are housed in brown leather two gun motor case with stitched leather corners lined in burgundy cloth, with Purdey gold embossed label in lid. Also there is a charge card for these particular guns in lid. Case contains square oil bottle still in its wrapper. CONDITION: Excellent, with evidence of fairly light field use. Gun “2” may show a bit more handling, but well over 95% finishes remain on metal parts, with some marks and dings on stocks. Bores are excellent. Mechanically excellent. Case has a few scuffs and marks in leather. Straps and handle are fine. Interior cloth is very fine. Label is excellent. 53052-8 MGM (40,000-60,000) – Lot 1196

1197
$26,450.00

*SUPERB LONG BARRELED SMALL BORE CUSTOM PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME SHOTGUN WITH EXCELLENT SCROLL AND GOLD INLAID GAME SCENES BY RENE DELCOUR AND PHILIPPE GRIFNEE WITH CASE.

SN 21498. (ca 1917) Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 29″ Chopper lump bbls are gold inlaid “J. Purdey & Sons” and engraved “Audley House, South Audley Street. London” on narrow swamped game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs and 1985 London re-proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, “CHOKE”, and with bbl makers initials “W.H” (Bill Hill) on bottom of left bbl. Small sized case hardened Beesley patent self-opening action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with near full coverage very well cut large shaded open acanthus scroll with strapwork highlights in semi-relief surrounding well done portrait of retriever on bottom of action. “J. Purdey & Sons” and “London” are in gold on both sides. Fences have matching scroll which is carved a bit deeper. There are splashes of matching scroll on lockplates accenting very well rendered game scenes, major subjects are in relief gold, and backgrounds are nicely detailed; a pair of ducks are settling into a woodland marsh on left lockplate, and a pair of cock pheasant explode from brush into open field over rail fence on right. This fine engraving is signed “R. Delcour & Ph Grifnee” on trigger plate. Trigger guard is also scroll engraved, and has SN in gold on tang. Striking, exhibition quality, well marbled and stump figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-5/8″ over checkered wood butt, and features classic styling with typical drop points, point pattern checkering, and gold oval. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has actioners initials “AF” (Alf Fullalove) on iron. Bore diameter: left -.629, right – .628. Bore restrictions: left – .034 (full), right – .022 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .024, right – .023. Drop at heel: 2-1/8″+, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Cast: approx 1/4 off. Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-5/8″. High quality oak and leather case with shaped brass corners is embossed “K. H. E.” on top. Interior is lined in scarlet cloth. Gold embossed black leather label along with charge card with information for this gun, are in lid. Case contains 2 pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod, 2 horn handled turnscrews engraved “James Purdey & Sons”, horn handled striker key, horn handled chamber brush, bone striker bottle. Purdey marked accessories include square oil bottle, horn bodied snap caps, and black leather hand guard, along with a bench cloth. CONDITION: Excellent, with evidence of very limited use since being completely refurbished, with a few very light marks on bbls. Beads and fences of action are silvered a bit, as is blue on grip. Factory quality newly made stocks are excellent with only a few light marks and scratches, mostly on left side of butt. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are a bit off face at tops, but do contact breechfaces at bottom. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is excellent with a few marks and two shallow cuts on top. Straps and handle are excellent, as are interior and accessories. An attractive small bore Purdey finely embellished by two highly revered artists, now deceased. 53177-8 MGM (30,000-50,000) C&R – Lot 1197

1198
$25,875.00

*FINE CONDITION HEAVY PROOF LATE ’20’S JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR PIGEON SHOTGUN WITH CASE.

SN 23410. (1927) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 30″ Chopper lump bbls are engraved with Purdey’s famous Audley House London address and Whitworth Steel information on slightly raised concave rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 1-1/4 ounces of shot, and are marked “2-3/4”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, “CHOKE”, and bbl makers initials “AW” (Arthur Wilkes). Tube nos “57718” and “57719” are on loop. Robust, case hardened Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, side clips, disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved in Purdey house style with very nicely cut small shaded scroll surrounding rose bouquets. “J. Purdey & Sons” is at the bottom of each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over “London”. Blued trigger guard with open scroll on bow has SN on tang. Dramatically fiddle figured and nicely streaked European walnut straight grip buttstock with classic drop points, gold oval on bottom, and point pattern checkering at grip, measures 14-1/2″ over checkered wood butt. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release is stamped “H” on iron (long time actioner Fred Hughes). Bore diameter: left -.730, right – .730. Bore restrictions: left – .043 with .001 recess (extra full), right – .020 (mod). Wall thickness: left – .028, right – .029. Drop at heel: 2-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″. Cast: neutral. Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-1/2″. Brady type VC leather case with stitched leather corners, possibly provided by Purdey’s, has brown canvas leather trimmed outer cover. Case is lined in burgundy cloth with gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid, along with charge card with information for this gun. Case contains 2-pc ebony and brass cleaning rod with mop, brush, and jag, two horn handled turnscrews, horn handled striker key; Purdey marked accessories include a square oil bottle and two snap caps. There are also two keys. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a best London re-black with one or two minor rubs. Action retains approx 80% orig case hardening color, silvered a bit on beads, thinning slightly on fences and bottom. Lockplates retain over 95% of their orig color with just a hint of loss on left plate from thumb wear. Orig blue of top lever is silvered on top edge of thumbpiece. Forend iron retains most of its blue. Hinge pin has been replaced, and retains nearly all of its temper blue. Trigger guard retains over 80% of its orig blue, silvered in front of bow, thinned a bit at grip. Stocks retain nearly all of a very sympathetic cleaning and re-oiling with a couple of light marks, checkering competently cleaned up. Bores are excellent. Action is showroom tight. Drop is excellent. Wem ejectors are in perfect time. Case leather has a few minor scuffs and rubs, as protected by its outer cover, which is very fine, with some scuffs. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is excellent, as are labels. Accessories are very fine. This is a wonderful gun. 53177-11 MGM (25,000-35,000) C&R – Lot 1198

1199
$25,875.00

*SUPERB SPECIAL ORDER JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR PIGEON SHOTGUN WITH SUPERB RELIEF SCROLL AND PIGEON MOTIF ENGRAVING BY HARRY KELL WITH MOTOR CASE AND FACTORY LETTER.

SN 22416. (1923) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 30″ Chopper lump bbls are engraved with Purdey’s famous Audley House address and Whitworth steel information on tops; and are fitted with slightly raised flat matted pigeon rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, and bbl makers initials “S.S” (Sam Simons). Tube numbers “53995” and “53996” are on loop. Beesley patent self opening action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), side clips, hidden third fastener, disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action and locks are engraved with exceptionally fine, cleanly relief cut, large open acanthus scroll with strapwork highlights in fine shaded background. This exceptional deep dramatic scroll surrounds rounded vignettes of pigeons; those on lockplates are standing on ground, while the oval scene on bottom of action shows a pigeon in flight. “J. Purdey & Sons” is above this scene and “London” is below. Fences are even more deeply carved in almost full relief. This superb work is undoubtedly by the revered Harry Kell, as the rather large eyes of his birds are essentially a signature. Trigger guard is blued, and matching scroll is on bow extending to tang which is also engraved with SN. Dense, well marbled and lightly fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 15-1/8″ over leather covered pad. Stock features typical finishing with drop points, point pattern checkering and a vacant gold oval on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Actioners initials “TD” (Tom Davidson) are on iron. Bore diameter: left -.735, right – .735. Bore restrictions: left – .034 with .002 recess (extra full), right – .033 with .002 recess (extra full) (This is typical Purdey pigeon choke boring producing tight patterns. The recess creates a “hot” center). Wall thickness: left – .022, right – .023. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 7 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 15-1/8″. Makers two gun motor case is embossed “S.P. ROTAN” “PHILA, U.S.A.” Interior is lined in burgundy cloth with gold embossed black Purdey label in lid. Case contains pair of Purdey marked snap caps and 2-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod. PROVENANCE: Factory letter with specifications specifying both bbls full choke, built for “Veneziano” with large scroll and medallions of pigeon engraving. Copy of ledger page. CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain 95% of a London quality re-black with a few very light marks and silvering on sharp edges. Action has lots of what was not very bright color, essentially a “french gray” as evidenced by color on water table, and is a very pleasing pewter to silver. Trigger guard re-blued, silvered on sides and grip, engraving slightly softened. A monogram (specified in factory letter) has been removed from top lever but is undetectable as area has been expertly re-engraved. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish, possibly orig. with a number of light marks and small dings. Checkering competently re-cut. Bores are excellent, with just a hint of frosting in left bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. (New hinge pin) Drop is good. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is good, crazed, and scuffed at corners. Renewed straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good with some rubs. Accessories are good. Pigeon guns with special features similar to this finely finished example seldom come on the market; An opportunity to acquire a fine specimen that has no apologies. 53117-1 MGM (22,500-32,500) C&R – Lot 1199

1200
$23,000.00

*SUPERB CONDITION JAMES PURDEY EXTRA FINISH SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME SHOTGUN WITH SELECTIVE SINGLE TRIGGER AND BEAVERTAIL FOREND, WITH MOTOR CASE AND ACCESSORIES.

SN 27846. (1973) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 28″ Chopper lump bbls with matted narrow flat rib are engraved “J. Purdey & Sons” “Audley House South Audley Street, London. England” on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, and bbl makers initials “BF” (Brian Frost) on bottom of left bbl. Tube numbers “72243” and “72244” are on loop. Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and unusual single selective trigger (It is not known what trigger was used by Purdey’s at this time, but it appears to be of Laird Pat. Westley Richards type with selector on left side of trigger plate.). Action is engraved in traditional extra finish style with near full coverage large shaded acanthus scroll with strapwork highlights. “J. Purdey & Sons” is in parchment scroll flanked device on each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over “London” and “England”. Fences are relief carved in oak leaf and acorn motif. Engraving of this style was often done by outworker, at the time, Ken Hunt. No signature is found. Small bow trigger guard has matching scroll on bow. SN is on tang, which extends to horn pistol grip cap. Strikingly fiddle figured and marbled dark European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/8″ over checkered wood butt, and features standard drop points and point pattern grip checkering. Gold oval on toe line is engraved “RG”. Often woodwork on guns of this vintage is of indifferent quality, but this stock was obviously done by one of the long term Purdey masters, such as Bill O’Brien or Harold Delay. Full beavertail ejector forend has Anson release; unknown actioners initials “T.B” are on iron. Bore diameter: left -.730, right – .731. Bore restrictions: left – .025 (Imod), right – .009 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .033, right – .029. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″. Cast: approx 1/8 off. Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 14-1/8″. Brown leather motor case with stitched leather corners is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid, along with charge card for this particular gun. Case contains 2-pc beech and brass cleaning rod, pull through cleaning kit, red leather wallet containing cleaning brushes and broken case extractor, another with action cleaning brushes, plated round oil bottle, plated brass striker bottle with spare strikers, and two keys. CONDITION: Excellent, very close to new, with only some high edge wear visible on sharp edges, and a few light marks in wood. There are a number of fairly deep scratches in bottom central portion of bbls, most likely caused by removing action from case before removing bbls. These could easily be toned down a bit. There are also two or three small dings on left side of forend toward front. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Mechanically excellent. Case leather is excellent with a few scuffs. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is fine with some rubs. Accessories are excellent. A great handling Purdey with some unusual features. 53022-1 MGM (17,500-25,000) – Lot 1200

1201
$20,700.00

*VERY FINE 20 GAUGE JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR SELF-OPENING GAME SHOTGUN.

SN 22069. (1921) Cal. 20 ga. 2-11/16″ Chambers (actual measurement). 28″ Chopper lump bbls are engraved “J. Purdey & Sons Audley House. South Audley Street, London.” “Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid Pressed Steel” on narrow game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 7/8 oz shot (2-1/2″). Bbls are stamped with SNs, and “CHOKE”. Bottom of left bbl is stamped with makers initials “SS” (Sam Simons). Tube numbers “51877” and “51878” are on loop. Classic small sized Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). action and locks are engraved in typical Purdey house style rose and scroll, which is particularly well done, with cleanly cut scroll. “J. Purdey & Sons” is on each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over “London”. Blued trigger guard has open scroll on bow and SN on tang. Finely marbled European walnut replacement buttstock is of factory quality, and shaping, with straight grip, checkered wood butt, drop points, and flat top point pattern checkering at grip. Matching splinter Wem ejector forend has Anson release. Iron is stamped with unknown actioners initials “H.W”. Bore diameter: left -.618, right – .617. Bore restrictions: left – .007 (IC), right – .005 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .030, right – .029. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Cast: approx 1/8 off. Weight: 5 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain essentially all of a London quality re-black, with a few minor nicks. Action retains most of its orig case hardening color, turning to gray brown on bottom, with silver highlights on beads and fences. Lockplates retain 80% of their orig color. Orig blue of top lever is silvered on thumbpiece. Trigger guard re-blued, and retains nearly all of that blue. Newly made buttstock has a few light marks in its orig finish. Forend refinished over some marks and dings. Checkering re-cut. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Drop is good. Ejectors are somewhat out of time. An attractive light weight fast handling Purdey. 53062-1 MGM (15,000-25,000) C&R – Lot 1201

1202
$20,125.00

*SCARCE 20 GAUGE JAMES PURDEY ROUND ACTION SIDELOCK EJECTOR LIGHTWEIGHT GAME SHOTGUN WITH OAK AND LEATHER CASE AND ACCESSORIES.

SN 22397. (1922) Cal. 20 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 28″ Chopper lump bbls are engraved with Purdey Audley House address and Whitworth steel information on slightly raised game rib. Gun is “2” of a pair, with “2” engraved on breech ends of rib, top lever, and forend iron. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2″ chambers and re-proof marks (?). Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, and bbl makers initials “S.S” (Sam Simons). Tube numbers “53758” and “53759” are on loop. Small sized Beesley patent self opening action with rounded bar, features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action and locks are engraved in Purdey house style with well cut small scroll surrounding rose bouquets. “J. Purdey & Sons” is at the bottom of each lockplate, and on bottom of action over “London”. Top lever and trigger guard are blued. Trigger guard bow is engraved with large open scroll. SN is on tang. Very nicely flame figured and well marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 15″ over checkered wood butt on 1-7/8″ well matched lengthening piece, which appears to be fit to orig curve. (13-1/4″ to end of orig wood) Stock features typical finishing with drop points, point pattern checkering and a silver oval on toe line engraved “CHM”. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Actioners initials “FH” (Fred Hughes) are on iron. Bore diameter: left -.620, right – .618. Bore restrictions: left – .010 (IC), right – .004 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .026, right – .029. Drop at heel: 2-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Cast: approx 1/4 off. Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz. LOP: 15″. Makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion, has later inset leather rectangle on top embossed “CHM” and interior is lined in burgundy cloth with small paper Purdey label and charge card for gun no. “20003” (another 20 bore), in lid. Case contains 2-pc walnut and brass cleaning rod with 6″ handle, two turnscrews and a striker key with ebonized handle, unmarked round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, pull through cleaning kit in black wallet, action cleaning brushes in red wallet, bone striker bottle with spare strikers and springs, and other cleaning equipment and two keys in covered compartment. CONDITION: Good. This gun has been enjoyed extensively but never hurt. Bbls retain most of what appears to be their orig blue, considerably worn and silvered from normal hand wear. Action and locks are pewter gray with silver highlights on edges of bar and fences. Engraving remains clear. Orig blue of top lever and trigger guard remains approx 20%. Stocks show considerable wear, sharp edges rounded, left drop point quite smooth. Checkering does not appear to have been re-cut. There are 1″ cracks starting at mounting screws in forend. Bores are very fine, chambers lengthened. Action has a hint of looseness. Bbls are slightly off face. Ejectors are slightly out of time. Case leather is considerably darkened, crazed and rubbed. Orig straps are good. Handle is missing. Interior cloth is fine. Labels are considerably foxed. Partitions have been reconfigured for stock lengthening piece. Accessories are fine. 53132-2 MGM (15,000-20,000) C&R – Lot 1202

1203
$17,250.00

*REFURBISHED SMALL BORE LONG BARRELED JAMES PURDEY ROUND BODIED SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME SHOTGUN ALONG WITH CASE.

SN 21446. (ca 1917) Cal. 16 ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. 29″ Chopper lump bbls are engraved with Purdey’s famous South Audley Street London address and Whitworth Steel information on narrow game rib, which is also engraved “2”. Gun is “2” of a pair with “2” also engraved on top lever and forend iron. Bbls are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2″ chambers. Bottom of bbls are stamped with SNs. Bottom of left bbl is stamped with bbl makers initials “WH” (Bill Hill), and engraved with importer, (G & H). Small sized round bodied Beesley self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), gold plated internals, disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved in Purdey house style traditional rose and scroll. “J. Purdey & Son” is on each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over “London”. Scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang. Nicely marbled and figured European walnut newly made buttstock measures 15-1/4″ over checkered wood butt, and features classic styling with drop points, flat top point pattern checkering at grip, and a vacant gold oval on bottom. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Iron is stamped with actioners initials “FH” (Fred Hughes). Bore diameter: left -.664, right – .664. Bore restrictions: left – .017 (mod), right – .009 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .030, right – .033. Drop at heel: 2-1/8″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″+. Cast: approx 1/8 off. Weight: 6 lbs. 5 oz. LOP: 15-1/4″. Good quality English brown leather case with stitched leather corners is lined in burgundy cloth, and has Purdey gold embossed black leather label in lid, along with charge card for this particular gun. Case contains pair of rosewood handled turnscrews, rosewood handled striker key, bone striker bottle, 3-pc cleaning rod, and Purdey marked square oil bottle and snap caps. CONDITION: Excellent, as refurbished. Bbls retain essentially all of a London re-black with a couple of light marks. Action re-colored, and retains nearly all of that color, engraving slightly softened. Factory quality newly made buttstock and forend have only one or two of the faintest marks. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Drop is good. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is excellent with some marks. Interior is excellent. Accessories near new. A scarce little gun that’s had an enormous amount of expensive work performed, bbls measure well. 53177-12 MGM (12,500-20,000) C&R – Lot 1203