Page 233 - Auction84-Book2

The stock is of the same exceptional quality with tear drop carved flats, multi-point checkering, coin grey finished trapdoor grip cap with relief engraved bull elephant, raised cheekpiece, blank gold inscription oval, sling swivel, and black leather wrapped recoil pad. Rifles with similar themes and designs are pictured on pages 170-176 of “The Best of Holland & Holland: England’s Premier Gunmaker” by Michael McIntosh and Jan Roosenburg. Included with this rifle is a hide bound Huey made case with Holland & Holland trade label, two nickel snap caps, and a full compliment of matching cleaning/maintenance tools. Also included is a binder full of pictures and letters between Holland & Holland and the original commissioner of the
rifle tracking its progression as well as letters between him and Churchill discussing the engraving. The letters mention that, at the time, this rifle was the first Anglo-American venture of its kind between Holland & Holland and American Engraver Winston Churchill as, at the time, the Brown Brothers
and Ken Hunt carried out the majority of the firms high-end engraving like that done on this magnificent rifle. Approximately 2,500 hours went into the engraving alone! At the time of writing, the author is not aware of any other such rifles having been completed. This is a one-of-a-kind double rifle! The length of pull measures 14 9/16 inches and the rifle weight 13 lbs. CONDITION: As delivered, retaining 99% original blue finish on the barrels with only the slightest collector type handling evidence. The action shows the smooth brushed bright finish with nitre blue and gold accents on the pins. The engraving is like new and untouched. The wood is also excellent. The case and accessories are extremely fine plus. Mechanically excellent. Don’t miss your chance to own this exceptional and iconic confluence of best quality gun making and high art.
Estimate: 200,000 - 325,000
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