A flanking paper label is inscribed in Arabic. Interior is lined in tan morocco leather, and has silver embossed dark leather H&H label in lid, also embossed with a crown, possibly a special label for the Nizam (?). The remnants of some labels are inscribed in Arabic on top, and with label on right end for rifle “8333” is marked “STOCK”. Orig makers oak and leather case with nickel-plated brass corners and circular central medallion is enameled with the Nizam’s initials and “4 BORE” on lid. LOP: 13-3/8″ (closely matching ledger page). Large splinter forend has forward pivoting lever release, and is engraved “2” on interior of iron. A similar 8 bore rifle belonging to the Nizam, is illustrated on page 70 of HOLLAND & HOLLAND THE ROYAL GUNMAKER, which bears number “2”. This is the Nizam’s rack or inventory number. “3”, also the number “3” in silver has been inlet. Left side of stock, near butt, is stamped multiple times with the no.
A very large sling eye, matching that soldered to bottom rib, is on toe line. A large gold oval is engraved with the Nizam’s crest (large monogram of various initials surmounted by a shield device with Arabic inscription surmounted by a rampant tiger, all over riband with Arabic inscription). Stock features typical flat top point pattern checkering at grip, and a right hand shadow line cheekpiece. Nicely fiddle figured and lightly streaked, dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/8″ over old black pad.
Case hardened trigger guard has SN and “2” on tang, which extends to large hard rubber grip cap. Bodies of hammers are scroll engraved and scroll flanks scenes. Lockplates portray a standing bear in open palm woodland on left lock, and a recumbent tiger in similar environment, on right. These well done, but somewhat naive, scenes are accentuated by sprays of well cut shaded scroll. “2” is also engraved at beginning of strap.
Top of action bears fine portrait of roaring lion. Action and locks are engraved with big game motifs as found on many of the large rifles made for the Nizam, with an excellent scene of a feeding hippo in riverine background on left side of action, and with walking elephant in savannah with palm trees and mountain in background, on right. Rebounding peninsula back locks are fitted with large, flat faced, serpentine hammers with stylized dolphin heads. Massive, round bodied, Jones underlever action has long top strap, which extends over comb in “Best” H&H fashion. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 6 bore. Breech end is further engraved with 2-1/4″ triangles of exceptionally well cut, very large, open, shaded scroll with floral centers. There are wide bands of foliate engraving at muzzles and breech ends. Doll’s head rib extension is engraved “2”. Top of left bbl is engraved “Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials. Portion in front of sight is unmatted, and slightly swamped forming slightly raised front base for silver bead and flip-up porcelain night bead, longitudinally dovetailed at muzzle. Rear portion of rib is file cut behind sight.
PRICE FOR HOLLAND AND HOLLAND RIFLE FULL
This rifle remains in excellent condition, and has 24″ fine Damascus bbls fitted with full length rib mounted with single standing leaf express rear sight with platinum line marked for 50 yards. “2” was the pick of the litter, as a considerable amount of oxidation is visible on sides of bbls and right side of action on gun no. In comparing this photograph, it appears that this particular rifle no. “1” rifle remains at Holland & Holland, and is pictured on page 67 of HOLLAND & HOLLAND THE ROYAL GUNMAKER by Donald Dallas. It was deaccessioned from the Holland & Holland Collection in 1983. “2” rifle of a pair, made for the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1884. This stupendous rifle weighing in at almost 21 pounds, is No. INCREDIBLE FOUR BORE HOLLAND & HOLLAND HAMMER DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD WITH ORIGINAL CASE AND FULL COMPLEMENT OF ORIGINAL ACCESSORIES.
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