Lot 116: Factory Embellished Holland & Holland Double Barrel Rifle

Manufactured by the iconic Holland & Holland of England, this is a stunning example of modern firearm art on a big game rifle. The receiver and side locks exhibit full coverage semi-relief contrasting scrollwork of the highest quality. Amongst the scrollwork on each lock is a fierce gold inlaid tiger. The tiger appears to be stepping out of the scrollwork. The underside of the receiver has a beautiful carved scene depicting hunters atop an elephant stalking the tiger. The scrollwork extends to the forearm hardware, trigger guard, break lever, and safety. Floral blossoms in gold appear on the forearm hardware, trigger guard, top of the receiver, and grip cap. A fine vine and leaf engraved motif appears on the extended upper and lower tangs. The grip cap with compartment has the scrollwork and vine motifs accented with a gold floral blossom, and the compartment contains an extra front sight. The fences have a relief engraving. Both sides of the receiver are relief engraved "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" in a slight downward arch to mimic the contours of the metal. It has a matted raised ramp mounted bead front sight and a two-leaf rear sight graduated from 50 to 150 yards mounted on a matted raised quarter rib. The barrels have ejectors. The wide concave rib is marked with the caliber marking, and the factory address marking extends both barrels towards the breech. The nitro proofed barrel flats are marked with the caliber and "2860BAR." Each lock has a gold inlaid cocking indicator, is numbered to the gun, and has a border engraved internal component. The matching serial number is also on the lower tang in gold, forearm hardware, and both barrels. The action has double triggers (one smooth, one textured) and an automatic tang safety with "SAFE" in gold. The highly figured forearm and pistol grip stock feature multi-point checkering, tear drop flats, cheekpiece, engraved "FJR" initial oval, and solid recoil pad. Weight: 10 lbs. 7.4 oz. The leather bound oak takedown case has an "FJR" initial oval on the exterior and a Holland & Holland label on the interior of the lid and contains factory accessories (a two-piece cleaning rod with three attachment heads, pull through bore brush, oiler, snap caps, two screwdrivers, canvas sling, and cleaning cloth. The canvas case cover also has the initials "FJR." This gun is featured in the book "The Best of Holland & Holland" by McIntosh & Roosenburg on pages 256-257 and is described as being engraved by American Eric Gold and completed in 1998.

Excellent overall, with the barrel retaining 98% plus original blue finish showing minor thinning towards the barrels, limited handling evidence, a slight spliced repair and faint hairline crack at the corner of the forend on the right, and crisp stock checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly impressive Holland & Holland big game rifle for the serious collector.