Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

Ƒ Holland and Holland

The unique 'Columbus Gun': a 20 bore box lock ejector, serial number 50183, 28 in. barrels engraved 'MADE EXPRESSLY FOR THE U.S. HISTORICAL SOCIETY/ BY HOLLAND & HOLLAND LTD. 31 & 33 BRUTON STREET, LONDON', hollow top rib engraved 'THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA 1492-1992', 2 3/4 in. chambers, automatic safety with gold SAFE; coin finished action with commemorative engraving as follows: right side with Christopher Columbus, map in hand, gazing on coastal scene with ships in the distance; left side with his ships the Santa María, the Niña and the Pinta under sail; floor plate with Columbus' coat of arms; bolsters with Celtic knots within rope borders; top lever with a compass rose, eagles and a moline cross; top strap and safety with waves and knot work; trigger guard with a map of the north coast of Hispaniola and various nautical motifs; well figured straight hand stock with chequered wrist and fore end, the latter having steel fittings engraved en suite to the action, vacant gold escutcheon to the butt, LOP 15 in.; in its original compact leather covered case, fitted interior lined in green baize, Holland & Holland trade label; complete with accessories comprising: cleaning rod with jag, mop and brush, oiler, snap caps, a bottle of Rangoon Oil and a box of patches. Section 2 - SGC or RFD required to purchase.

This gun was intended as the first in a series for the U.S. Historical Society's commemoration of the quincentenary of Columbus's historic voyage. Though satisfied with the finished article, the Society had, apparently, overlooked the time required to produce bespoke English shotguns, and were obliged to turn to another maker to fulfill a larger order in time for the commemoration. This unique gun was retained by the makers until bought by the late owner, since when it has remained unfired and in virtually immaculate condition.