The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was completed on November 29, 1922 for “Barwani”. At this time the Maharana of Barwani was Captain HH Maharana Sir Ranjit Singhji II Bahadur (1893-1946). With blued chopperlump barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “98. NEW BOND STREET, LONDON” and engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end. Matted ramp mounted bead front sight with flip-up moon sight and file cut matted quarter rib with rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves graduated from “100” to “300” yards. Casehardened action engraved “ROYAL HAMMERLESS EJECTOR” on the underside, fitted with an automatic safety to the long upper tang with gold inlaid “SAFE”, and blued toplever engraved “MODELE DE LUXE”. Casehardened Brazier locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and with gold inlaid cocking indicator. Blued rolled edge trigger guard, trigger plate with articulated front trigger, and pistol grip cap with hinged trap cover. With fine deep engraving throughout comprising a full coverage of bold foliate scrollwork inhabited by lizards, snakes and mythical creatures. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with London nitro proof marks. Highly figured pistol grip stock with raised cheekpiece, leather wrapped recoil pad and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with Anson push button release. The underside of the butt with gold oval initial escutcheon engraved with a monogram and blued sling mount, the corresponding front sling mount fitted beneath the barrels. Weight 10 lbs. 6.6 oz. In brass cornered fitted leather case, the lid with Holland & Holland printed trade label. With some accessories.

This extremely fine rifle has barrels retaining 98% expertly reblued finish turning to plum, signatures clear but slightly flattened, file cutting on rib crisp with four expertly placed fillers visible with the matting, slight loss of bluing to standing sight leaf. Action and locks retaining 90% original casehardened finish, engraving crisp and sharp throughout. Bluing to trigger guard and toplever a dull deep color, probably refinished. Stock with some relatively minor storage and handling marks, edges of leather covered recoil pad worn, checkering crisp. Case of recent manufacture, trade label older with some age staining. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.