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LOT 345
Fine Engraved Holland & Holland .303 “Royal” Double Barrel Sidelock Rifle - Serial no. 17535, 303 British cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. This classic British double rifle features blued chopperlump barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “98, NEW BOND STREET, LONDON”, each breech end is engraved with a band of
stylized running foliage, and they’re equipped with a
single extractor. The sunken concave rib has a matted ramp mounted bead front sight and file cut
matted quarter rib with dovetailed rear sight of one standing notch sight and two folding notch leaf sights graduated to 300 yards and fitted with bases for a quick detachable telescopic scope mount. The action has blued removable firing pin bushings, “THE ROYAL/HAMMERLESS” engraved
on the underside, a bolted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, and a long upper strap fitted with what appears to be a flip-up sight. Sidelocks each with gold inlaid cocking indicator and signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” within a ribbon. Furniture comprises a trigger guard and pistol grip cap. The whole finely engraved with Holland & Holland scrollwork. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with
London nitro proof marks. The figured walnut pistol grip stock has a raised cheekpiece and checkered butt, grip and forearm. The latter has an Anson push button release, and the underside of the butt has a blank gold oval initial escutcheon. 14 3/4 inch length of pull. Weight 8 lbs. 6 oz. CONDITION: Very good as professionally refinished. 98% of the deep blued finish remains on the barrels. The action and locks have a slightly dulled light grey finish and clear engraving. The upper strap of the action has been fitted post-manufacture with what appears to be some sort of flip-up aperture sight, unfortunately the release button is missing, and the unit is locked in the closed position. The upper strap and trigger guard tang have minor pitting. The replacement stock is very fine and has an appealing figure pattern, sharp checkering and drop points, and occasional scattered slight storage and handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection. Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
LOT 346
Fine & Very Rare Engraved George Gibbs .461 (Gibbs No. 2 Black Powder Express) Double Barrel Sidelock Ejector Rifle with Case - Serial no. 17694, .461 No. 2 Gibbs cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in circa 1890-1895, this best quality rifle incorporates John Deeley’s patent ejector system (No. 4289 of March 26, 1886, use number 6629) and Metford patent rifling. The blued chopperlump barrels are each engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end and are respectively signed “METFORD 1820 GEORGE GIBBS 39, CORN STREET, BRISTOL.” and “BARRELS SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL (CHAMBERED) FOR GIBBS No.2 CASE”. The sunken rib has a file cut matted quarter rib with scroll engraved extension, blued dovetailed rear sight of one standing notch sight and four folding notch leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 500 yards, and ramp mounted bead front sight, and the ramps to the quarter rib and front sight are scroll engraved. The casehardened treble grip action has blued removable firing pin bushings, a blued toplever, and a blued automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The casehardened backaction sidelocks are signed “GEORGE GIBBS”. The trigger plate is also casehardened, and the furniture comprises a blued trigger guard and a casehardened grip cap with hinged trap cover. The whole is finely and profusely decorated with classic English bouquet and scroll engraving. The underside of the barrels and water table are struck with Birmingham black powder proof marks. The well- figured walnut pistol grip stock has a rubber recoil pad, panels of multipoint checkering on the grip and forearm, blued Anson
push button forearm release, and blank silver initial oval escutcheon on the underside of the butt, and the corresponding sling eye is fitted beneath the barrels. In brass cornered oak and leather fitted case with oak partitions and lined in red baize, with some accessories, including leather sling, large oiler, and chamber brush. 14 5/8 inch length of pull. Weight 9 lbs. 9 oz. CONDITION: Fine as expertly refinished and retaining nearly all of the blue finish and renewed case colors throughout and clear engraving and signatures. The wood is in very good condition, possibly an older restock, and has sharp checkering. The right hand ejector requires attention; otherwise mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are good with some exterior age staining and wear, straps replaced, and the interior expertly relined. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection. Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
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