Manufactured in 1874 per page 333 of Donald Dallas's "Holland & Holland: The Royal Gunmakers The Complete History". This 8 bore shotgun predates Harris Holland taking on his nephew Henry as an apprentice and creating the world renowned firm known for making some of the finest shotguns known to man. The gun has brown Damascus steel barrels with a single steel bead on the concave solid rib marked "H. HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND ST. LONDON." and a band of engraving at the breech. The barrels are mated to a casehardened frame and back action locks which display light floral scroll and beaded borders which extend on the underlever and rebounding hammers. The locks are signed "H. HOLLAND". The action is fitted with double triggers. The shotgun is mounted with a nicely figured multi-point checkered walnut forend with engraved fittings and single key fastening and a straight grip stock with silver initial escutcheon and serrated hard rubber buttplate. Stock measurements: 2 inch drop at the comb; 3 inch drop at the heel; 14 3/16 inch length of pull; weight 12 lbs. 15 oz.

Very good, retaining 70% original brown finish and 80% original case colors with some handling marks, spotting, dark patina on the underlever and crisp engraving. The re-oiled wood is very fine with dings and scratches, some chips in the forend, and softened checkering. Mechanically excellent.