Product Details
FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF H.H. THE MAHARAJA SAHIB OF PATIALA
CHARLES LANCASTER
AN EXCEPTIONAL 10-BORE (3 1/4IN.) SIDELOCK EJECTOR, serial no. 13208,
36in. nitro barrels, broad raised rib engraved 'CHARLES LANCASTER, 11 PANTON STREET, HAYMARKET, LONDON.', and with a cartouche inscribed 'MADE SPECIALLY FOR H.H. THE MAHARAJA SAHIB BHUPINDER SINGH OF PATIALA', 3 1/4in. chambers, bored approx. full choke in both, large treble-grip action with removable striker discs, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, fine bouquet and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 14 7/8in. highly-figured stock with blank gold escutcheon and including 7/8in. rubber recoil pad, weight 11lb. 8oz., in its partially re-lined brass-cornered leather case with original trade labels and charge details (3 1/4 Eley, 58grains of schultze, 2oz. shot), the lid exterior stamped 'H.H. THE MAHARAJA SAHIB PATIALA', and with circular brass escutcheon engraved with the monogram SBP
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the gun was made in 1910 for the Maharaja of Patiala
The record book reads as follows: "top snap H&N high speed steel ejector ; best quality finish; screw grip cap; piston fore part
recoil pad ; NP 2oz SP 340.340 No.6 shot 3 1/4 case paper 58gr SP"
His Highness Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., G.B.E. of Patiala was born at Moti Bagh Palace on 12th October 1891 into a noble family ruling the princely 17 gun salute state of Patiala.
He was educated at Aitchison College, Lahore and was just nine years of age when he succeeded to the title of Maharaja of Patiala following the death of his father, Maharaja Rajinder Singh in November 1900. A Council of Regency was empowered in his name and it was not until November 1910 that he assumed full power following a ceremony of investiture by the 4th Earl of Minto, Viceroy of India.
During the Great War he served honourably (as can be seen by his post-nominals) with the General Staff in several theatres of war; France, Belgium, Palestine and Italy and by the end of hostilities had risen to the rank of Honorary Major-General although he was later to be promoted to an Honorary Lieutenant-General in 1931. He was also to represent India at the 1925 League of Nations.
Bhupinder Singh also undertook the construction of many architecturally fine buildings in his region, and one of these housed his impressive collection of coins said to be the largest in existence at the time. He was also a keen and highly proficient hunter (as were many of his noble peers), as well as an avid cricketer. He had his own Patiala XI, one of the finest in India and he captained India's non-test visit to England in 1911. His proficiency is clearly demonstrated by the fact that between 1915 and 1937 he played in 27 first-class matches.
He also owned one of the largest car collections in India. This comprised of various marques but he had a real penchant for motor cars built by Rolls-Royce. In 1930, the company refused to accept an order from him for a particular specification. The Maharaja was so riled that instead, he took delivery of several standard models and put them to work as refuse collection vehicles in Patiala city. This caused much consternation with the Viceroy and other members of the British establishment and Rolls-Royce were soon persuaded to comply with the original order! He also owned and flew the first aircraft in India.
He died at the young age of 46 on 23rd March 1938. He had proved to be a popular and just ruler and had carried out many social reforms during his time as Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes. He was succeeded by his son, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh who also proved to be a popular social reformer being the first Maharaja to agree to the inclusion of their region into the newly independent India in May 1948.
Estimate £15,000-20,000
S2