Holland & Holland has been a standout in English fine gunmaking for nearly 200 years, and has never strayed from their path, creating some of the finest pieces of firearms art ever built. This outstanding set is a true embodiment of the master works built by Holland & Holland and shows off all of the facets that set them apart from nearly every other company in the trade. The gun shows blued steel barrels with a single nickel bead sight on the matted flat solid rib which is signed "HOLLAND & HOLLAND, LONDON." The barrels show 2011 dated London nitro proofs and denote 2 3/4 inch chambers (with automatic ejectors). Each barrel has a small gold inlaid "1" on the underside of the barrels below the forend. The chokes are thin walled Briley tubes with diffusion/improved cylinder installed, diffusion being a lesser known invention of Briley's, designed to put slight spin on the shot allowing it to disperse more quickly, thus lending itself to a more open pattern for close shooting. The casehardened assisted opening hand detachable sidelock action displays exquisite and highly attractive broad floral scrollwork over a matted background and surrounding gold inlaid "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" signature banners on either side. The underside of the action is marked "MODEL/DE LUXE" and the scroll continues onto the other small parts of the gun including the toplever, the rolled edge triggerguard, and both tangs. Along with the attractive scrollwork the toplever is marked with a gold inlaid "1" and the lower tang has the serial number inlaid in the same fine gold. In true Holland & Holland fashion the gun shows fine details that most may never even see, the internals of both lockplates are serialized and feature nitre blue screws and beautifully engraved bridals. The initials "NP/W" are marked in a shield on the triggerplate just ahead of the triggerguard. The gun features a non-selective single trigger, gold inlaid cocking indicators, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Dazzling, highly figured, multi-point checkered contrasting walnut forend with casehardened and engraved fittings including the Anson button style release which is marked with another gold "1". The stock is of the same outstanding quality with matching checkering, tear drop carved drop points, black polymer grip cap, "RWB" in the inscription oval, and a three point checkered heel. Included with the gun is a double gun oak & leather motor case that houses this gun along with the "B" gun, as well as cleaning tools and four extra Briley choke tubes ("A", "B", "E", and "F"). Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .18.5mm (.728 inches) and measured .729/.729 inches; minimum wall thickness .036/.034 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, a few minor marks at and near the toe, and sharp checkering on the forend and at the wrist and butt. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.

As "A" with "2"s in place of "1"s and Diffusion/"B" chokes installed. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.5mm (.728 inches) and measured .729/.729 inches; minimum wall thickness .036/.034 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 15 oz.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, a few slight marks near the toe, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. It is not all that common for such exceptional pairs of Holland & Holland guns to come to auction, do not miss this fleeting chance to own a pair of what are undoubtably some of the world's finest guns!