This rare two barrel set was manufactured in circa 1889. Each set of barrels of fine browned damascus twist and each numbered “2” in gold on the raised concave rib, London reproof marks dated 2005. Casehardened treble grip action signed “THE ROYAL PATENT SAFETY HAMMERLESS EJECTOR”, with blued toplever numbered “2” in gold and engraved “HOLLAND & HOLLAND PATENT NO. 23”, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, patent gas check grooves to the face of the action, and dipped edge locks with blued pins and screw heads, each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, and blued trigger guard. Best quality bouquet and scroll engraving throughout. Well figured straight hand stock with checkered grip and forearm, leather covered recoil pad, and the underside of the butt with blank silver initial escutcheon. In brass cornered leather case with some accessories, the lid with trade label and instructions. Barrel (R/L) and stock measurements: chambers proofed and measured at 2 3/4"; bores proofed at 18.6 (.732) and measured at .732/.734; chokes measured at .037/.037; minimum barrel wall thickness at .028/.027; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.; length of pull 15 5/8 inches.

Barrels retaining nearly all of the rebrowned finish, clear signatures. Action and locks each retaining faded traces of original casehardened finish, engraving fine and sharp, some scattered light flecks of corrosion marking throughout. Trigger guard and toplever retaining nearly all their reblued finish. Stock refinished with light handling marks, checkering sharp, possible small crack in the grain visible to right side of wrist. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.