Holland & Holland has long been among the finest makers of fine arms in the world with this beautiful piece being an excellent example. The gun was completed between 1917 and 1919 per Donald Dallas' "Holland & Holland: 'The Royal' Gunmaker" and has later replacement blued steel barrels featuring a single nickel bead sight on the smooth flat solid rib which has flourishes of scroll engraving near the breech, single band of engraving at the breech, "HOLLAND & HOLLAND." marked on the right tube and "13. BRUTON STREET. LONDON." on the left, import mark under forend, London proof marks indicating 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a highly attractive brush bright finished hand detachable sidelock action which displays extensive floral scroll and mythological engraving consisting two bestial creatures on either sideplate along with a harpy on the underside. The engraving surrounds "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" banners on either lockplate as well as "ROYAL/HAMMERLESS/EJECTOR" marked on the underside and extends to the triggerguard, both tangs, and the toplever which is marked "MODELE/DE/LUXE". The gun features double triggers (front articulated), gold centerlined cocking indicators, right hand rolled triggerguard, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". The gun is mounted with a finely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank silver inscription shield, and an orange rubber recoil pad. Included is a factory labelled takedown case containing cleaning tools, a nickel oiler, and a set of nickel snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .733 inches; choke constriction .012/.006 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.030 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 13/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs.

Very fine, retaining 97% professionally reapplied blue finish, light handling evidence and scratches, and minor freckling on the barrels. The wood is also very fine with a few minor dings and scratches, a patch of thinned varnish on the lower right stock head, and sharp recut checkering. The case is good with some wear. Mechanically excellent.