Holland & Holland, 98 New Bond Street, London
12 bore 'Royal’ Bar Action, Sidelock Ejector
No. 14246
Date of manufacture: 1891-92

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Heritage Guns' Comment The page from the Holland & Holland records that cover this gun’s number is sadly missing but we can deduce from other close records that it was completed in either 1891 or 1892. What is certain is that it is a very lovely example of Holland & Holland's 'flag ship' gun. The boldly figured replacement stock is thought to be quite recent but we have no indication of just when it was done, nor by whom. Interestingly, it is slightly swept at the face which is a common feature of original H&H stocking and, given that the stocking is the work of a very skilled craftsman, it might lead one to assume that the work was done by a stocker with considerable experience of H&H stocks, maybe even an ex-H&H worker.  The second set of steel barrels were fitted in 1988 by the highly respected East Anglian gunmaker, John Wilson. Unusually, the original 30” damascus barrels have been retained. The gun balances just in front of the knuckle with the damascus barrels fitted, 3/8” in front with the steel. With its excellent weight and balance, interceptor sears, fine stock and barrel dimensions, this gun would make a superb target or game gun for the discerning shooter. Presented in an Oak & Leather case, relined with Windsor Red all-wool baize to accommodate both barrel sets, equipped with some accessories and fitted with the Maker’s label and charge card (a later issue). WE REGRET THAT THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR GUN, PLEASE CONTACT US.

The action is of combined Holland & Robertson design and features:
Rounded action bar;
Baraction, 'Dip Edge', 9 pin locks with bolstered tumbler pivots;
‘Block Patent Safety' interceptor sears;
Double triggers bolted by an automatic top tang safety slide;
Breech face 'Patent Gas Check';
Top lever operating a 'Purdey Bolt' by way of a 'Scott Spindle';
Top rib extension providing a 3rd bite;
Holland & Robertson's patent ejector
and Anson's push rod forend catch.
Gun weight with Steel 28”: 6 lb 12oz; with Damascus 30”: 6 lb 10oz
Engraving style Very Best Bouquet & Scroll. Locks signed ‘HOLLAND & HOLLAND’.
Under-bar engraved ‘ROYAL EJECTOR PATENT NO. 11623’.
Top lever engraved ‘PATENT EJECTOR’.
Gold inlaid ‘SAFE’. Beaded fences with deeply engraved acanthus leaves.
Breech face stamped ‘PATENT GAS CHECK No. 4653’.
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ½ lbs Rear trigger 4 lbs.
The original damascus barrels are 30" in length, chambered for 2 ½ " (65mm) cartridges.
The replacement Steel barrels are 28” in length and chambered for 2 ¾” (70mm) cartridges.
Both barrel sets are of dovetail lump construction with soft soldered ribs and top ribs are of smooth, concave game type.
The damascus barrels were nitro reproofed in London for 2 ½” cartridges in 1980.
The steel barrels were nitro proofed in London for 70mm cartridges 1988.
* The MWT on the damascus barrels was found at 19” & 22” from the breech, respectively. *

Approximate barrel measurements at date of publication:

Approximate stock measurements at date of publication:

For the purposes of these measurements, 'Drop at Face' is the 'drop' measurement taken on a line perpendicular to the
line joining the trigger and centre of the butt at approximately 8" from the trigger (front trigger on a double trigger gun).

Patents Exhibited include:

Scott's gas check patent no. 617 of 1882;
Needham & Hinton interceptor sears patent no. 706 of 1879;
Holland & Robertson's ejector patent no. 11623 of 1887;
'Purdey Bolt' patent no. 1104 of 1863;
 'Scott Spindle' patent no. 2752 of 1865;
 Scott's top extension patent no. 1902 of 1875;
 Anson’s forend fastener patent no. 3791 of 1872.