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 1898 and 1900 per Donald Dallas' "Holland & Holland: 'The Royal' Gunmaker". With replacement dovetailed blued steel barrels featuring dual bead sights on the smooth concave solid rib which has a flourish of scroll engraving near the breech with a gold inlaid "2", single band of engraving at the breech, "HOLLAND & HOLLAND." and "13. BRUTON STREET. LONDON." marked on the right and left tubes respectively, 1979 dated London proof marks on the flats, and chambers marked 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a highly attractive brush bright finished sidelock action which displays extensive floral scroll and surrounding "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" banners on either lockplate and "ROYAL/HAMMERLESS/EJECTOR" on the underside along with "PATENT/SINGLE TRIGGER" before extending to the triggerguard, both tangs, and the toplever which is marked with a gold inlaid "2". The gun features a single trigger, gold centerlined cocking indicators on either lockplate, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". The gun is mounted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and Anson button release as well as a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank gold inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .730 inches; choke constriction .006/.019 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz.