Product Details
HOLLAND & HOLLAND
AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF GRIFNEE-ENGRAVED 12-BORE (3IN. MAGNUM) 'MODEL DE LUXE' SELF-OPENING HAND-DETACHABLE SIDELOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 41135 / 6,
30in. nitro chopperlump barrels, the ribs engraved in script 'MODEL DE LUXE' and with fine foliate designs at the breech ends with gold ovals inlaid '1' and '2', tubes engraved 'HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 33 BRUTON STREET. LONDON.', 3in. chambers, bored approx. 1/2 and 3/4 choke, treble-grip actions with hidden third bites, side-clipped fences, toplevers with gold ovals inlaid '1' and '2', automatic safeties with gold 'SAFE' details, hand-detachable lockplates with gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, rolled-edge triggerguards, the fences exquisitely carved in high relief with bulrushes and wheat-ear bordering, the actions and furniture with superlatively carved with floral and thistle designs bordered with further wheat-ear motifs, the fore-ends engraved en suite, the lockplates finely engraved with striking scenes of mallard and geese in wetland settings, the underside of the No.1 gun with a finely engraved vignette of a capercaillie, the No.2 similarly with a buck hare, the triggerplates signed 'Ph. Grifnee', bright finishes overall, 15 3/8in. highly-figured stocks, weight 7lb. 9oz., in their brass-cornered oak and leather case with accessories and canvas and leather outer
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the guns were completed in 1992.
They remain in virtually unfired condition.
Other Notes: The engraver, Philippe Grifnee universally recognised as being one of the world's finest gun engravers, sadly passed away in May 2012 at the age of 59.
He graduated from the Liege School of Engraving in 1970, having spent much of his time there under the tutelage of the renowned Rene Delcour. He refined his skills at Auguste Francotte between 1970 and 1988, and returned to the Liege School of Engraving, this time as a teacher.
In 1988, his talent was recognised by Holland & Holland and he engraved a number of guns for them - which lead to a contract with them to exclusively engrave their guns between 1992 and 1997. After his contract ended, he continued to work on Holland and Holland guns and his skills were also retained by James Purdey & Sons.
He was twice awarded medals for his work by the Belgian Government, a silver medal in 1992 and a gold in 1999.
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Estimate £80,000-90,000
S2