A letter from the makers confirms that this enormous “Paradox” gun was made for the Nizam in 1893. Known for his penchant for best British guns, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan ruled Hyderabad as Nizam from 1869 until his death in 1911. With blacked rifle choked barrels with raised partially matted rib with bead front sight with flip-up moon sight and standing rear sight calibrated for “50” yards and with platinum inlaid center line, breech ends each engraved with a band of stylized foliage and doll’s head extension engraved with a shell. The barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON./“PARADOX” FOSBERY PATENT”. Casehardened side-clipped action engraved “CHARGE 8 TO 10 DRAMS. 3 1/2 INCH CASE” on the left side and with carved percussion fences, rebounding back action locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, and sprung checkered front trigger. Blued underlever with checkered finial, blued trigger guard and blued pistol grip cap. Border and scroll engraving throughout. The barrels and action struck with London black powder proof marks. Well-figured 14 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 mount, the corresponding sling mount fitted beneath the barrels. Weight 15 lbs. 8.7 oz. In leather fitted case lined in burgundy baize, the lid with printed Holland & Holland trade label. With some accessories including a rare Holland & Holland 8 bore crimping tool, gold colored oiler, snap caps, turnscrews and a key for the case. Copies of letters from Holland & Holland confirming the provenance accompany the gun. Provenance: The Nizam of Hyderabad and The Malcolm King Collection

In very fine condition. The barrels retaining 99% reblacked finish with some slight muzzle rub, signature and breech engraving very slightly softened, small patches of shallow pitting visible beneath the finish. Action and locks retaining 50% fading original casehardened finish, crisp engraving. Underlever, trigger guard and pistol grip cap reblued, crisp engraving. Stock expertly refinished, faint painted rack number “13” visible on the right flank of the stock. Mechanically excellent. The case is of recent manufacture and in very good condition, minor storage rubbing to the lining, reproduction trade label in very good condition although it is becoming detached from the lining.