The makers have kindly confirmed that this big game rifle was sold to Charles Alfred Worsley Pelham, 4th Earl of Yarborough (1859-1936) in 1879. Charles Pelham inherited his father's titles in 1875 and first sat in the House of Lords as a Liberal but later became a Conservative over the Irish Home Rule bill. He was admitted to the Privy Council in 1890 and made Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms under Lord Salisbury. He was made Lieutenant Colonel while serving in the Lincolnshire Imperial Yeomanry during the Second Anglo-Boer War and appointed Lord Lieutenant of the county of Lincolinshire in 1921. Other appointments included Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire (Freemasons) in 1895 and Master of the Fox Hounds of Brocklesby in 1880. In 1935 he was made a Knight of the Garter. Brown Damascus barrels signed with the New Bond Street, London address on the matted solid rib, beaded blade front sight, nitre blue notched rear sight, and London black powder proof marks on the flats. Profuse scroll engraved rebounding backlock action signed "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" on each lock plate, "CHARGE 6 DRAMS CASE 2 3/4 INCHES" marked on the left side of the action, dolls head extension, and double triggers. Nicely figured walnut pistol grip stock with multi-point checkering, forearm hardware engraved to match, raised cheekpiece, engraved grip cap, blank silver initial oval, sling eyelets, and solid recoil pad. The brass-covered leather bound oak takedown case features a reproduction Holland & Holland paper label on the interior of the lid and a gold embossed "A" on the exterior of the lid and contains a Holland & Holland bullet mold numbered to the gun, dated 1879 and engraved "FOR LOADING AT BREECH" and some lead bullets. A letter of provenance from NDH Firearms is included with this lot.

Fine. The barrels retain 97% plus of the reapplied brown finish. The action retains some patterns of original case colors stronger in the protected areas. The engraving is crisp. The refinished wood is very good with repaired forearm, with partially recut checkering and minor handling marks throughout. A barrel wedge escutcheon screw is absent. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with numerous handling/storage marks and high spot wear on the lining.