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LOT 3416
Magnificent Engraved & Gold Inlaid Holland & Holland 10 Bore Double Barrel Rotary Underlever “Paradox” Hammer Ball & Shot Gun - Serial no. 15203, 10 Bore gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Built in the early to mid-1890s, this large Fosbery patent “Paradox” ball and shot gun with rifle chokes has been renovated to a very high standard with extensive gold inlaid decoration. The blued barrels are respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON” and “’PARADOX’ FOSBERY PATENT” towards the breech ends in gold. The breech ends are each engraved and gold inlaid with foliate scrollwork. The solid raised rib has a bead front sight with flip-up moon sight and blued rear notch sight. The action has carved percussion fences, a long top strap, Jones patent underlever, “CHARGE 8 DRAMS. CASE 2 7/8 INCHES” inlaid in gold on the left side of the action, and rebounding back action locks signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” in gold behind the hammers. The action, locks, and furniture are all blued and decorated with engraved and gold inlaid foliate scrollwork. The locks each have an inlaid and engraved gold tiger’s head. The underside of the barrels and watertable have London black powder proof marks. The well-figured pistol grip stock with leather wrapped recoil pad has a raised cheekpiece, a checkered grip and forearm, lever latch on the latter, and dark horn pistol grip cap. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameters measured 9 inches from the breech proved at “9” (.803 inches) and both measured at .810 inches; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 13 lbs.
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