ITEM # 148
serial #4696 (Barrels serial #19272), 577 BPE, 25 7/8" barrels with excellent bores showing some very faint frosting at the chamber mouth of the right barrel. This is an interesting rifle which features English scroll engraved back action locks, side clips, doll's head extension, three leaf rear sight graduated to 50-100, 200, and 250 yards, and a pistol grip buttstock with rounded cheekpiece. The frame, hammers, and lockplates retain about 40% case colors, strongest around the bases of the hammers, with the balance fading to a mild gray patina. The barrels have 98% maker applied blue and are marked "Holland & Holland. 98 New Bond Street, London." on the right tube, "Winners of all the 'Field' Rifle Trials, London." on the left. Some further scroll engraving is present around the breeches and on the doll's head which matches the frame engraving. Initial black powder, view, and final black powder proofs are present on the barrel flats. Fit and function of the rifle are excellent. The buttstock has a maker quality finish on the wood with sharp points on the checkering and an older, darker oil finish on the forend which has some flattening to the points and a single small chip at the tip on the left side. The length of pull measures 14 1/2" to a red rubber recoil pad, while the drops are 1 3/8" at the comb, 2 3/8" at the heel. Woodward records reveal that the gun was ordered in 1894 by the Sultan of Dulha (in modern day Pakistan) but gives no further information. Holland & Holland records, however, list serial #19272 as a "pair of .577 barrels/fitted into 'Woodward' rifle", done in 1902 for "Obeadullah (modern sp. Abdullah) Khan" (a copy of the Holland & Holland work sheet is included). Alternate spellings of the period were "Ubdullah" or "Ubdallah" and either of those would match the engraved stock escutcheon: "U.K.". This is a fine condition English gun which is distinguished, not only by its purchase by a British Indian sovereign, but by its connection to two of England's greatest gunmakers, a true rarity. (2027-130) {ANTIQUE} [Stan Terhune Collection] (8000/12,000) SOLD FOR $13800.00 |
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