This classic Holland & Holland rook rifle continued to be marketed as “The Ross” in this grade of finish although it differed in design to its forebearer. Although marked as .295 calibre, this cartridge is one and the same as the .300 rook rifle cartridge. The main ammunition manufacturers in England at the time were Eley who head-stamped their version as “295” and Kynoch who head-stamped theirs as “300”. With blued octagonal barrel respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND ST. LONDON” and “WINNERS OF ALL THE ‘FIELD’ RIFLE TRIALS. 295 SEMI SMOOTH BORE” on each side of the full length matted top flat towards the breech end, fitted with blued bead front sight and blued rear sight of one standing notch sight and two folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 150 yards, and with non-selective ejector. Casehardened action with blued removable firing pin bushing, blued automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, blued toplever, blued floorplate and blued trigger guard. The whole with classic English border and scroll engraving. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with London single definitive proof mark. Well figured 14 1/2 inch walnut semi-pistol grip stock with blued butt plate and casehardened pistol grip cap, and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with dark horn cap. In leather fitted case lined in burgundy baize, the lid with large printed Holland & Holland trade label. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

In fine condition. The barrel retains nearly all of the reblued finish with clear engraved details. Action retaining 85% original casehardened finish, trigger guard, toplever and floorplate with nearly all of the reblued finish. Engraving clear throughout. Stock reoiled, with attractive figure pattern, well defined checkering, occasional scattered age related minor storage and handling marks and bruises. Mechanically excellent. Case in very good condition, has been relined, label clear but age stained, exterior straps replaced.