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Magnificent Winston G. Churchill Engraved Holland & Holland Double Rifle
LOT 1450
Exceptional, Factory Contract Winston G. Churchill Master Game Scene Engraved Holland & Holland Model De Luxe Sidelock Ejector .577 Nitro Express Dangerous Game Double Rifle with Case - Serial no. 35540, 577 N.E. cal., 25 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin grey finish, walnut stock. Blued steel chopper lump barrels featuring a brass beaded blade front sight with flip up white bead for low light shooting and a raised rear quarter rib section with a two leaf (one standing one folding) sight marked 50 and 100 yards. The quarter rib is marked with the caliber “.577 NITRO EXPRESS” in gold along with beautifully executed floral scroll designs. The barrels are marked “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “33 BRUTON STREET, LONDON.” on the left and right respectively with matching bands of engraving at either breech, “Model de Luxe” on the low rib section between the sights, and a sling swivel ahead of the forend. The flats are marked with standard London proofs dated 1985 and the chambers are equipped with automatic ejectors. The coin grey,
bolstered, sidelock action displays outstanding near full coverage engraving by renowned Master Engraver Winston G. Churchill. The left lockplate shows a family of elephants stampeding in a savanna scene, the right lockplate has a pair of bull elephants standing amongst the ferns, the underside shows
a solitary bull elephant in a jungle setting below a small banner reading “LONDON ENGLAND”, and the triggerguard displays a fantastic roaring elephant in the long grass. All of these scenes are in incredibly intricate detail and surrounded by a wonderful variety of scrollwork, with some lighter
and some deeply relief cut. The bolsters, fences, and top lever are also deep relief engraved with more traditional scroll on the upper and lower tangs. The work is signed “WINSTON CHURCHILL ENGRAVER” in small letters on the triggerplate. The rifle action features bushed firing pins, double triggers, a rolled triggerguard, and an automatic tang mounted safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautifully figured, exhibition quality, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release.
   



























































































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