Product Details
HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A 12-BORE 1878 PATENT 'CLIMAX SAFETY HAMMERLESS' BACK-ACTION SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR, serial no. 6096,
30in. lined nitro reproved damascus barrels (circa 2011), 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 1/2 choke, barrel loop slightly loose, W.M. Scott and T. Baker patent action, patent no. 761 of 1878, use number 150, engraved leaf fences, ornately carved toplever engraved '1', automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'BOLTED' detail, best fine acanthus scroll engraving, the left side engraved 'CLIMAX SAFETY HAMMERLESS', brushed bright and reblued finish overall, 14 1/4in. stock, fore-end with Deeley & Edge patent release catch, chequering poorly refreshed, weight 6lb. 12oz.
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed as the No.1 of a pair of 'double breech loader 12-bore Hammerless Scotts Climax' guns for Lord Mandeville. The date is not noted, but it is likely to date to 1880.
It is interesting to note that in Holland & Holland's contemporary promotion of their 'NEW CLIMAX SAFETY HAMMERLESS GUN, (PATENT) that featured in such publications as 'The Field', together with details of the new design, testimonials from satisfied clients are also included in the text. One such testimonial is from Viscount Mandeville, Brodick Castle dated September 18, 1882 who states:
"I have never shot with harder hitting guns than the hammerless you sent me, or with any gun I liked so well. I consider them far safer than hammer guns". It is therefore most likely that this particular gun is one he refers to in his testimonial.
Other Notes: The vendor kindly informs us that he had the gun serviced by the makers in 2006 and subsequently, (following an accidental dent to the barrels), he had them repaired and lined by Holland & Holland in 2011.
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Estimate £500-700
S2 - Sold as a Section 2 Firearm under the 1968 Firearms Act