The maker’s records confirm that this rifle was completed in 1891 for "Belassieze." With blacked barrels with broad raised matted rib with bead front sight with flip-up moon sight and standing rear sight graduated for “50” yards, the breech ends each engraved with a band of stylized foliage and doll’s head extension engraved with a shell. The right barrel signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND ST. LONDON. W.” Casehardened action with carved percussion fences, rebounding back action locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, and sprung front trigger. Fine border and scroll engraving throughout. 14 1/2 inch pistol grip stock with raised cheek piece, orange rubber recoil pad, and checkered grip and forearm, the latter with lever fastener. The underside of the butt with blank silver oval initial escutcheon and sling eye, the corresponding sling eye fitted beneath the barrels. The barrels and action struck with Birmingham black powder reproof marks. In recent brass cornered fitted leather case lined in red baize, the lid with printed Holland & Holland trade label, and canvas and leather outer. Weight 16 lbs. 1.5 oz. With accessories including turnscrews, nickeled snap caps, nickeled oiler and take down cleaning rod. A copy of the Holland & Holland records page for this serial number accompanies this lot which appear to indicate the original order was for a 10 bore rifle which must have been changed during production. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Barrels retaining nearly all of the reblacked finish, slight rubbing to signature and breech engraving. The action and locks each retaining 20% faded original color hardening, engraving crisp. Professionally restocked. Case in very good condition with reproduction trade label, some minor discoloration to outer. Mechanically excellent.