Before the advent of smokeless powders, hunters relied on large “bore gauge” rifles in enormous calibres such as 4, 8 or 10 bore to deal with the most dangerous and thick skinned game found in Africa and India. This substantial double rifle heralds from the heyday of wealthy Indian Maharaja’s patronage of the British gun trade with Holland & Holland ranking as perhaps the most highly regarded rifle maker of late Victorian London. It represents a golden age of the rifle makers craft and epitomizes the most romantic period of exploration and adventure in Africa and the Indian subcontinent. With browned fine damascus barrels with broad raised partially matted rib with bead front sight on a slightly raised ramp, standing rear sight marked “50” yards, doll’s head extension, respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON.” and “WINNERS OF ALL THE “FIELD” RIFLE TRIALS. LONDON. 1883” on the tubes and engraved with a band of stylised foliage at the breech ends. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences engraved “CHARGE 10 DRAMS BRASS CASE 3 1/4 INCHES”, rebounding back action locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, and sprung front trigger. Border engraved throughout. Figured pistolgrip stock with checkered grip and forearm. Barrels and action struck with London black powder proof marks. In brass cornered oak and leather case, the lid with printed Holland & Holland trade label, and accessories including brass bullet mold, iron ball mold serial numbered to the rifle, various accessories with dark horn handles, a pair of brass 8 gauge snap caps and a Holland & Holland oiler. Comes with a copy of the factory ledger listing the rifle with 8 bore chambering.

Barrels professionally rebrowned and retaining nearly all their finish, signatures and breech end engraving slightly softened. Action and locks retaining 60% reasonably bright casehardened finish, signatures and border engraving crisp. Well figured refinished stock, slightly flattened checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories of fairly recent manufacture, all generally in very good little used condition. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.