This massive and rare London Model Punt Gun was built in 1883 for Hugh Cecil, 5th Earl of Lonsdale. Known as the London Model due to it being invented, bored, and actioned all within London, something that no other maker could say at the time of J. H. Walsh writing in 1884. The gun measures a staggering 115 1/2 inches from the muzzle to the rear of the stock. According to an included letter from late Holland & Holland Managing Director Malcolm Lyell, a similar gun was purchased in 1901 by a former Maharajah of Kolhapur while visiting London. That gun was fired only once as it sunk the punt sauk along with the gun and the Shikari who was operating it (luckily he was saved). This gun is marked on the top of the barrel in an unpainted area "HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND ST. LONDON" with period London proofs in another unpainted area. The firing pin is manually cocked at the rear by pulling it back and the trigger mechanism is operated via a string. There is a brass plaque above the firing pin marked "NOTICE/HALF COCK GUN/BEFORE OPENING/THE ACTION". The underside of the gun features a mounting point and Colonel Hawker's recoil frame. Per consignor supplied documentation, this gun appears to be the gun pictured on page 244 of Volume 3 of the "Lonsdale Library of Sports, Games and Pastimes" published by Lord Lonsdale in 1929. Includes a wooden display base.

Very fine as repainted, retaining 95% of the grey painted finish, areas showing some flaking due to age and marine environment, some oxidation on the exposed metal parts, and mild storage/display evidence. The wood is also very fine. The display base is very fine. Mechanically appears to be in fine order. Do not miss your chance to own this incredible piece!