THREE STUNNING GUN LOTS WORTH WATCHING
Words: Patrick
The world of sporting arms auctions has snowballed dramatically in past years, with pieces bearing the names of gunmakers of varied prestige – from the relatively unknown to the London leaders. The choices can be somewhat daunting, much like a pick-a-mix cabinet is to a toddler, and there’s a fine line between finding a bargain and a banger. So, here are three lots going under the hammer in the coming weeks that we at TGJ suggest you keep an eye on…
HOLLAND & HOLLAND TRIO, , This stunning matched trio of Best 12 bore ‘Royal Brevis’ self-opening sidelock ejector guns by Holland & Holland instantly steal our focus. Featuring toplevers, ribs and forend-tips numbered ‘1’, ‘2’ and ‘3’ in gold, hand-detachable lockplates inset with gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, bold foliate-scroll engraving, rolled-edge trigger-guards, highly-figured replacement stocks and chopper-lump barrels, this is a fantastic lot for any H&H enthusiasts., Estimate: £30,000-40,000
.470 EJECTOR RIFLE BY J.RIGBY, , After smashing back to the forefront of the sporting scene with their recent revival in the way of ‘The Big Game’, this .470 from Rigby heralds back to a golden era in their history. Completed in 1909 for J.H. Horlick, it features a treble-grip action with Rigby-Bissell patent rising third-bite, the fences relief-engraved with an acanthus-leaf motif, best bold foliate-scroll engraving and some hardening-colour. A beautiful lot., Estimate: £20,000-30,000
J. PURDEY & SONS PAIR , , This pair of 12 bores from the company synonymous with quality and reliability features the incredible foliate-scroll engraving work of K.C Hunt, with the lockplates depicting grouse and pheasants. Such is the painstaking attention to detail, the birds look fit to fly straight from the metal. Both were completed in 1967, with 13½in. stocks and 1¾in. cast-off at heel, before being returned to the gunmakers in 1976 to be restocked. The beauty, however, still remains – in buckets., Estimate: £18,000-25,000
Lots from Bonhams, to be featured in their July 30 Sporting Auction.
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