The makers' records confirm regulation work on this rifle was finished on March 4, 1898 for a Mr. Watson, noting “L.O.G.” (lever over guard) and a recoil heelplate. With blacked barrels with raised partially matted rib with bead front sight with flip-up moon sight, rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated from “150” to “250” yards, the barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON.” and “WINNERS OF ALL THE FIELD RIFLE TRIALS. LONDON.”, and each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and engraved “CHARGE 5 DRAMS. CASE 3 1/4 INCHES” on the left side, rebounding back action locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, and sprung front trigger. Casehardened trigger guard and pistol grip cap. Border and scroll engraving throughout. Barrels and action with London black powder proof marks. Well figured 14 1/2 inch pistol grip stock including rubber recoil pad, with raised cheekpiece and checkered grip and forearm, the last with lever fastener. The underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon and sling eye, the corresponding sling eye fitted beneath the barrels. Weight 9 lbs. 9.6 oz. With brass cornered oak and leather fitted case lined in purple velvet, the lid with printed Holland & Holland trade label. With accessories including large brass .500 bullet mold, three nickeled oilers, snap caps, Hawksley loading tool, two Eley .500 caliber cartridges and key for the case. A copy of the page from the Holland & Holland records is included with this rifle.

Barrels retaining nearly all of the reblacked finish, signatures flattened, some scattered pin head sized storage spotting at one breech end. Action and locks retaining 75% strong renewed casehardened finish, engraving crisp throughout. Stock has been expertly refinished with occasional age related storage and handling blemishes, checkering crisp. The case is of recent manufacture and is in very good condition, some minor pressure marks to the velvet lining from storage, reproduction trade label in very good condition. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.