A set of six Wildfowl and Wader Guns, comprising six single-trigger "Royal De Luxe" model self-opening sidelock ejector guns 1983, Holland & Holland

comprising one 12-bore gun, no. 40601 with 29-inch chopper-lump barrels with 3-inch chambers, about full choke borings, the frame and locks with sideclips, the highly-figured stock with pistol grip, gold oval engraved JWK, 7 lb. 3 oz. nitro proof; a pair of 12-bore guns, nos. 40602/3 with 28-inch chopper lump barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 1/2 and 3/4 choke borings, the frames and locks with bright scenes, the highly figured stocks with pistol grips, gold ovals engraved JWK amd PMK, respectively, 6 lb. 5 oz. nitro proof; a pair of 20-bore guns, nos. 40604/5 with 27-inch chopper-lump barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 1/2 and 3/4 choke borings, the frames and locks with bright scenes, the highly figured stocks with pistol grips, gold ovals engraved JWK and PMK, respectively, 5 lb. 8 oz., nitro proof; one 28-bore gun, no. 40606 with 26-inch chopper-lump barrels with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 1/2 and 3/4 choke borings, the frames with bright scenes, the highly figured stocks with pistol grips, gold oval engraved JWK, 5 lb. 3 oz., nitro proof; each gun profusely engraved with game scenes of birds, waders and wildfowl, set against a bright cyanide hardened and polished finish; the set together with tools.

Gun No.1 12-bore serial number 40601 730 full choke 35 thou minimum 730 full choke 32 thou minimum Length 14 ½ 14 3/8 14 ¾ Bend 1 ½ 2 ¼ Cast off 1/8 ¼ Gun No.2 12-bore serial number 40602 733 ½ choke 30 thou 734 ¾ choke 31 thou Length 13 1/8 13 13 ¼ Bend 1 3/8 2 Cast off 1/8 3/8 Gun No.3 12-bore serial number 40603 733 ½ choke 24 thou 734 ¾ choke 25 thou Length 14 ½ 14 3/8 14 14 5/8 Bend 1 ½ 2 ¼ Cast off 1/8 ¼ Gun No. 4 20-bore serial number 40604 617 ½ choke 25 thou 618 ¾ choke 25 thou Length 13 1/8 13 13 3/8 Bend 1 3/8 2 Cast off 1/8 ¼ Gun No.5 20-bore serial number 40605 618 ½ choke 22 thou 617 ¾ choke 25 thou Length 14 ½ 14 3/8 14 5/8 Bend 1 ½ 2 ¼ Cast off 1/8 ¼ Gun No. 6 28 bore serial number 40606 550 ½ choke 550 ¾ choke Length 13 1/8 13 13 3/8 Bend 1 3/8 2 Cast off 1/8 ½ Notes: The guns retain virtually all original finish with minor handling and use marks. Barrels of No.5 gun slight dent to rh barrels at 12-inch from breech, No 6 gun minor bruise to rh barrel 8-inch from muzzle, original tools missing turnscrews.... , only one double and one single case, The Asprey Cabinet is not included.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The engraving was designed by renowned wildlife artist Rodger McPhail and engraved by Ken Preater, supervisor of the Holland & Holland engraving school.

 

The guns were completed as a set on the 23^rd May 1983 for £166,500.45