PRESTIGIOUS MAKER**C1860’s Victorian English, Harris Holland Rotary Underlever Double Damascus Barrelled Breech Loading 12 Bore Pinfire Obsolete Calibre Sporting Shotgun. Sn 23447 shotgun Side By Side 12 Bore/gauge

**PRESTIGIOUS MAKER**C1860’s Victorian English, Harris Holland Rotary Underlever Double Damascus Barrelled Breech Loading 12 Bore Pinfire Obsolete Calibre Sporting Shotgun. Sn 23447 - 23447

In 1870 Holland & Holland did not exist. In fact, it would be six years before the firm’s founder, Harris Holland, was to take in his nephew Henry and create the iconic brand which now graces London’s Bruton Street. Harris Holland was a was a good shot with both rifle and shotgun, regularly competing in live-pigeon competitions at Hornsey Wood Tavern. He appears to have gained enough kudos among fellow shooters for them to start asking him to get them guns and rifles like the ones he used so successfully himself. Seeing a clear business opportunity, Harris ordered guns made to his specification. 98 New Bond Street London was Harris Holland’s address from 1858. His nephew Henry Holland joined him in 1876, when Holland & Holland became the company style. It was not until 1893 that Holland & Holland built their factory on Harrow Road London. This is a nice double barrel sporting pinfire shotgun by H. Holland no doubt Harris before he joined with Henry. It has 29” double Damascus steel smooth bore barrels with flat top barrel rib and bead fore sight (45 ¾” overall length). The barrel’s bores have just light staining consistent with age and use. The barrel rib is signed ‘H. Holland 98 New Bond St London’. Both action plates are signed by the maker ‘H. Holland’. The inside of the action has English black powder proofs and is signed ‘J.Emme’ (possibly a factory inspector’s mark). It has double hammers and double triggers. The shotgun’s cocking and firing actions work crisply. The all original wood stock has just light knocks bumps & bruises to be expected with age and use. The underside of the shoulder stock has an inlaid white metal escutcheon inscribed with stylised monogram. The shotgun’s stock has chequered panels at the wrist and fore stock. It has a steel Trigger guard with extended tang & steel butt plate. The price for this shotgun by a quality maker includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre pinfire shotgun no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 23447

£975.00