Product Details
HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A 12-BORE 1885 FOSBERY PATENT 'PARADOX' RIFLED-CHOKE SHOT AND BALL 'ROYAL' SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 15495,
28in. nitro reproved barrels with matt sight rib with leaf sights for 50 and 100 yards, gold bead fore-sight, tubes engraved 'HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98, NEW BOND STREET, LONDON. "PARADOX" FOSBERY PATENT.', 2 3/4in. chambers, Col. G.Vincent Fosbery V.C. patent rifled chokes, patent no. 7568 of 1885, elongated top-strap, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, chequered front trigger, best bold Royal scroll engraving, the underside engraved 'THE ROYAL HAMMERLESS', brushed and reblued finish overall, 15 5/8in. stock with sling swivels and including 1 1/2in. horn extension and 3/4in. rubber recoil pad, weight 8lb. 3oz.
Provenance: The makers have kindly informed us that this Paradox was completed November 1899 with 28in. barrels for Vikar-ul-Umra.
Sir Vikal (sometimes Viqar) ul-Umra, K.C.I.E., K.I.H. served as the Prime Minister of Hyderabad between the years 1881 and 1901. During his tenure great reforms and improvements to education were made, with new engineering schools and opportunities to study law. He had the great palace of Falaknuma built as his residence which took 9 years to build and was completed in 1893.
A keen and able polo player, he brought the game to the state of Hyderabad after seeing it played in Europe. On his return he had built 17 polo grounds where he hosted elaborate tournaments for the local nobility and visiting teams. He captained the Paigah team to a good deal of success.
Estimate £3,000-5,000
S1