Blued steel barrels with dual steel bead sights on the matted solid rib which is marked at the base with a gold inlaid "1", barrels marked "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" and 13, BRUTON STREET, LONDON." on the right and left respectively, chambers marked and measured at 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors, and chokes marked "IMP CYL"/"1/4". The barrels have single bands of floral scroll engraving at either breech and the under rib is marked "Modele de Luxe" ahead of the forend. The casehardened, self-opening, hand detachable sidelock action features "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" banners on either lock, deep relief engraved fences, and three game scenes all surrounded by beautiful scrollwork. The game scenes consist of a pointer in a field on the left lock, a pair of setters near a pond on the right, and a setter holding a pheasant in his mouth on the underside. The barrel release lever is also engraved and is marked with a gold inlaid "1" as well as "MODELE/-DE-/LUXE". Single non-selective trigger and tang mounted manual safety switch with gold inlaid "SAFE". Beautiful, highly figured, exhibition grade, multi-point checkered walnut splinter forend with engraved fittings, gold inlaid "1" at the tip, and Anson button release. The straight grip stock is of equal quality and beauty and features the same checkering, tear drop carved flats, gold inlaid "RPM" on the underside, and finely checkered bare butt. The gun includes a fine leather wrapped oak case with "RICHARD P. MELLON" stamped in the lid and a full compliment of cleaning supplies. Richard P. Mellon was a respected philanthropist and conservationist throughout his life until his passing in July, 2020. He is said to have done more for land conservation in the United States than any other single private citizen while running the Richard King Mellon Foundation for 28 years. His family is well known for his father, Richard King Mellon, a founding member of Carnegie-Mellon University. The gun comes with documentation of the original ordering of this pair in 1965. Also included are copies of correspondence between Elliot Coyle (the dealer who ordered the guns on Mellon's behalf) and Holland & Holland's Malcolm Lyell on the specifics of the guns as well as Mr. Mellon himself writing to report an issue with the trigger mechanisms which was quickly resolved. Stock and barrel measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both proved at .729 inches and measured .730/.730 inches; choke constriction .009/.013 inches; minimum wall thickness.024/.028 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs 11 oz.

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original deep blue finish on the barrels, release lever, and trigger guard. The locks and action retain 99% original case colors with muting in some areas. The gun shows minor overall handling evidence and crisp engraving. The wood is very fine with scattered light marks, a few small chips at the toe, some discoloration to the gold inlaid initials, and sharp checkering. The case and accessories are very fine-excellent with some age wear to the straps. Mechanically excellent. This Holland & Holland would make an excellent addition to any sporting guns collection!

As "A". Stock and barrel measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both proved at .729 inches and measured .730/.731 inches; choke constriction .009/.013 inches; minimum wall thickness.028/.026 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs 11 oz. Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original deep blued finish on the barrels, trigger guard, and release lever. The locks and action retain 98% plus case colors with some areas being muted. The gun shows general minor handling evidence with with some minor wear at either muzzle. The wood is very fine with a few light handling/use marks, a small dent at the butt, and sharp checkering. The case and accessories are all very fine-excellent with light storage evidence. Mechanically excellent.