This is a nice example of an early Holland & Holland Royal double rifle. The barrels are chambered for the desirable 450 Express cartridge and feature a blade front sight and three leaf (two folding) rear sight mounted on the solid rib. The top of the right barrel near the breech is marked "HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND STREET LONDON" and " WINNERS OF ALL THE "FIELD" RIFLE TRIALS, LONDON" on the left. There is a sling swivel eye mounted on the underside of the rib. The barrels, trigger guard and break lever are blue, the remaining parts are casehardened. The frame, locks, trigger guard, forearm hardware and break lever are nicely engraved with floral scroll designs. Each lock is marked "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" and the left side of the frame is marked "CHARGE 4 DRAMS CASE 3 1/4 INCHES". The upper tang extends onto the comb and is decorated with the same engraving pattern. Each side of the water table is marked with the matching serial number and a "crown/V" proofmark. The underside of each barrel is marked with the matching serial number and the each flat is marked with a "crown/GP", "crown/V" and London proof house provisional proofs. Double triggers, tang mounted safety with gold "SAFE" and a fire blue safety loading lever mounted above the safety. Mounted with a checkered splinter forearm with engraved hardware and pistol grip stock with an engraved metal grip cap, cheekpiece, checkered horn buttplate, gold initial oval and a sling swivel. The accompanying Holland & Holland letter verifies the caliber, Royal (Back Action) Hammerless Express Double Rifle configuration, double triggers, length of barrel not indicated and select grade walnut with a cheekpiece, loops for sling, top lever, treble grip and pistol hand. Length of pull is listed as 14 5/8" x 14 1/2" x 14 7/8", which is what it presently is. The letter also states the cast is off 1/4 x 1/4, bend is 2 3/16" x 1 1/2", weight 8 Lbs. 8 oz. and it was manufactured in 1892 and originally made for a Mr. Cross. There is also a copy of original. Length of pull: 14 7/16 inches, drop at comb: 1 3/4 inches, drop at heel: 2 7/16 inches, cast-off: 1/8 inches.

Very fine as partially refinished with 97% refurbished blue finish remaining on the barrels, showing some light spotting and a few moderate dings on left side of barrel. The trigger guard and break lever are a mix of blue finish and smooth gray patina. 60% original vivid case colors remain with a smooth dove gray patina on the balance. The wood is also very fine with most varnish remaining, and showing some scattered minor dents and dings. There are a couple of minor chips on the buttplate. The markings and engraving are clear. Mechanically fine. A nice early back action Holland & Holland Express double Rifle.