OE - GOOD - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

WW - WOOD IS WORSE FOR THE PERCENT FINISH RATING GIVEN

The 20 bore Paradox is a rare gun with a total of only eighteen hammerless guns being produced. The first 20 bore Paradox was ordered in June 1891 and the final gun finished in March 1927, the present gun dating to circa 1910. Of the eighteen hammerless 20 bores, sixteen were Royals, one was a No.2 Model and the last a No.3 Model. The lack of “Royal” designation and the level of engraving and technical features indicate that the present gun is the one and only No. 2 Model! With blued rifle choked barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98, NEW BOND STREET, LONDON” and engraved “NITRO-PARADOX”. Sunken concave rib with bead front sight and file cut matted quarter rib with dovetailed rear sight of three folding leaf sights graduated to 150 yards. Blued treble grip action engraved “HOLLAND’S/HAMMERLESS/EJECTOR” on the underside, with blued toplever, automatic blued safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, checkered front trigger and blued rolled edge trigger guard. Blued locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and with gold inlaid cocking indicator. The whole sparsely engraved with Holland & Holland scrollwork. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with London nitro proof marks. Figured 14 1/2 inch walnut semi-pistolgrip stock with grooved dark horn heel plate, and checkered grip and forearm. Weight 7 lbs. The gun is mentioned by serial number in Baker and Lake's "Paradox" on page 235. As pointed out in "Paradox," the gun was used by big game hunter Harry Storey and is mentioned by serial number in his book "A Ceylon Sportsman's Diary." Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection