Product Details
HOLLAND & HOLLAND
A .450 (3 1/4IN.) BLACK POWDER EXPRESS TOPLEVER DOUBLE HAMMER RIFLE, serial no. 12950,
26in. black powder only barrels with raised, partially matted rib, open sights and two folding leaf sights with white metal inlaid sight lines and marked for 50/100, 200 and 250 yards, ramped bead fore-sight, slender treble-grip action with ornately carved percussion fences, elongated top tang, rebounding back-action locks with flat side dolphin hammers, fine acanthus scroll engraving, the left side of the action with charge and case length details, retaining slight traces of original colour-hardening, 14 3/4in. well-figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, sling swivels, engraved steel pistolgrip-cap and including 3/4in. rubber recoil pad, weight 8lb. 9oz.
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed in 1890 for 'Bennet Stanford'.
The vendors research connects this rifle to the eccentric Colonel John Bennet-Stanford of Tisbury, known locally as 'Mad Jack Bennet'.
Born in 1870 and educated at Eton, after a short spell working with the London Brighton and South Coast railways, his life was divided between serving in the army and hunting and exploring in India and central Africa.
A copy of an article by Mr Bernard Pike which, amongst other things, reports on the motoring exploits of 'Mad Jack' - who it would appear was involved in one of the first ever recorded incidents of motorised 'road rage' on the 12th August 1903.
A small matter of a fast car (12mph) overtaking a motor bus (8mph) and a two horse wagon (2 HP) coverging on a small section of the A350 - (a two lane carriageway) and the ensuing fracas is regaled in great detail, following through to the ensuing court case at Tisbury Magistrates Court (where Colonel Bennet usually sat on the bench) - and thence to later motoring adventures of the man posthumously referred to as a 'colourful' character 'born 300 years too late'.
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions.
Estimate £3,000-5,000