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Holland & Holland superb original Sidelock No. 2 in 12 gauge
Guns International #: 101104862 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Holland & Holland Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: brandonhal
Company:
Member Since: 2/23/14
First Name: Brandon
Last Name: Halstead
State: State not Found
Zip: 09468
Country: United Kingdom
Phone:
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 29
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: paypal; certified bank check
Description:
Superb early Holland & Holland Sidelock No. 2 in 12 gauge, all original.
Offers? Just in time for the opening season, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a fully functional antique masterpiece by one of the world’s best shotgun makers. Holland & Holland has confirmed that this 12 gauge “No. 2 Hammerless” extractor model was completed in September 1885, serial number 86xx. In beautiful condition, the sidelocks are hand-engraved in ornate and detailed foliate scrollwork throughout the locks and floorplate, trigger guard, and toplever, with acanthus leaves engraved on the fences, and the maker’s name “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” on the locks. Automatic cocking indicators on sidelocks, and automatic safety. There is a script number “2” on the toplever, trigger guard mount, and barrels at the breech, and matching serial numbers 86xx throughout the gun on the action, forend, trigger guard mount, and barrels.
This is a pre-1887 gun as reflected by the “12B,” “14M,” and “NOT FOR BALL” on the barrel flats indicating bore measurements when it was originally black powder proof. Chokes are appx. cylinder and 1/2 choke. The 30” barrels with sight bead have excellent measurements, and come in at .729 for right and left bore diameters, and 26 thousandth for the right wall thickness, and 24 thousandth for the left wall thickness. The interior of the bores are mirrors, while the outer barrels appear to have original bluing with consistent wear and patina between the barrels and fore-end hardware. Game rib engraving reads “HOLLAND & HOLLAND, 98 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL. WINNERS OF ALL THE ‘FIELD’ RIFLE TRIALS, LONDON, 1883.”
There are London proof marks annotating original provisional proof mark, blackpowder proof and visual proof from 1885, and most recently British Nitro Proof (NP) with the London arm dexter in armour holding a scimitar, with contemporary measurements and standard proof compliance at “3 TONS” pressure with 2 & ½” chambers, and finally a crown and script “R” denoting more recent reproof. Virtually spotless condition on the interior, with no pitting and minimal powder marks on the breech and face; the barrels are flawless mirrors on the interior.
The highly figured stock has nice checkering throughout the hand and a dark grain, a brass oval on underside of stock suitable for engraving, gold inlaid “SAFE” automatic safety mechanism at the hand, and a 14 & 1/2” pull. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action. Sharply checkered fore-end wood with engraved fore-end base and tip and Anson plunger release. Weight is 6 lbs. 14 oz.
This collector’s item is housed in its beautiful oak and leather guncase with Holland & Holland decal and brass edging throughout the exterior of the case. Includes hardwood mahogany and brass-tipped cleaning rods, bore brushes, chrome snap-caps, and original key to the lock. It’s also an investment-grade antique that can be taken into the field without the worry or expense of spending five or six figures, offering the opportunity to actually hunt with and use one of the best guns made.
As Terry Wieland highlights in his book “Vintage British Shotguns,” he states “If you buy an English gun… and the proof marks show it has been nitro proofed – that is, proven with smokeless powder – you know it’s safe to shoot with loads of the length and gauge marked.” Noted British gun specialist Jack Rowe rates Holland & Holland as England’s top gun maker: “In my estimation, number one of the English gunmakers,” while expert George Caswell describes their “overall quality is excellent…and command a 20 to 30 percent premium.”
Almost no cosmetic blemishes on the gun despite being a 130+ year old antique, other than a few light handling marks on the stock and barrels. Overall excellent, beautiful condition, with hand-made quality apparent throughout its manufacture. A fine example of the master craftsmanship in UK gun-making from arguably the world’s best shotgun maker and premier member of the “Big 3” of Britain’s most famous craftsmen Holland & Holland, Purdey, and Boss & Co. With the growing popularity of wildfowling using classic British shotguns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without absolutely breaking the bank. Affordable luxury; ready for your next century of shooting!
This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a US military family stationed in the UK, and ship via US Postal Service registered mail at an insured and flat rate of $125 because this package with the gun case is heavy; usually takes about a week to arrive in the US. member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via PayPal or certified bank check accepted. Please note I am not a dealer and not an expert, but a private collector, have tried to enter all the details I am aware of for this gun, and will try to answer any questions as best I can. I am downsizing my collection and hope to find other US enthusiasts of classic English shotguns to re-home a few of these pieces. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, side by side, British, English, double barrel, 12 gauge, 12 ga, 12g, side lock, sidelock.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Holland & Holland
Model: No. 2
Serial Number: 86xx
Bore: .729 & .729
Chambers: 2.5
Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: well figured
Bore Condition: mirror
Barrels: 30
Triggers: 2x
Gauge Info: 12
Stock: English
LOP: 14 & 1/2
Rib: game
Weight: 6.14
Manufacture Date: 1885
Choke Left: 1/2
Choke Right: cyl
Case: yes
Proof:Nitro: nitro proof & reproof
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 24,000
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 26,000