This elegant rifle was manufactured in circa 1890, with blacked barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98 NEW BOND STREET. LONDON” and “WINNERS OF ALL THE “FIELD” RIFLE TRIALS, LONDON” and each engraved with a decorative band at the breech end. Partially matted raised rib with bead front sight and rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves calibrated from “50” to “250” yards and short extension for the treble grip action engraved with scrollwork. Casehardened action engraved “CHARGE 4 DRAMS CASE 3 1/4 INCHES” on the left side, blued toplever, long upper tang fitted with blued bolted safety catch with gold inlaid “SAFE”, casehardened back action locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and with blued pins. Blued trigger guard and casehardened pistol grip cap. Fine border and scroll engraving throughout. Barrels and action struck with London black powder proof marks. Well figured pistol grip stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, and blank initial escutcheon to the underside of the butt. Checkered dark horn butt plate, blued sling mount to the underside of the butt and sling eye to the underside of the barrels. Weight 8 lbs. 7.2 oz. In brass cornered oak lined leather fitted case with dark horn snap-block and a pull through, the lid with printed Holland & Holland trade label. The case stamped “20 BORE” and with worn postal label on the exterior of the lid.

Barrels retaining nearly all of their professionally reblacked finish, signatures clear, slight rubbing to edges of the rib, rear sight reblued. Action and locks each retaining 50% faded original casehardened finish, engraving sharp throughout. Toplever and trigger guard retaining 60% fading original blued finish, engraving clear. Stock refinished, checkering sharp. Case associated, external age related wear, straps and handle expertly replaced, name plate blanked out on lid. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.