Bonhams 1793 : A rare Field-patent .303 falling-block rifle by Holland & Holland, no. 19548

The action using W. Field patent no. 1927 of 17th May 1877, the left side of the action-body engraved with the maker's name, the right side with cocking-lever and pivoting lever-stop, traces of blued finish, matt top detonating, well-figured stock with reinforcing straps, pistolgrip, pistolgrip-cap and chequered steel butt-plate with trap, horn-capped forestock, sling-eyes, the replacement circular Metford-rifled barrel (by the makers circa 1904) with full-length rib, engraved Holland & Holland, 98 New Bond Street, London Winners of all the "Field" Rifle Trials, 1883, open-sights, sighted from 100 to 600 yards, and bead-foresight
Weight 7lb. 13¼oz., 14 7/8in. pull (14 5/8in. stock), 28in. barrel, London nitro proof

Sold for £4,000 inc. premium

Footnotes

The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was completed in 1895. It appears to have been rebarrelled in 1904, at which point it was resighted "with 30 grains of Cordite, H.P. Nickel bullet & Kynoch nitro case" and resold

According to Walter Winfer's research, the Holland & Holland records list only twenty-four rifles built on Field's action, all completed during the 1890's. See British Single Shot Rifles, Volume 5, Rochester, 2004, pp.11-14

Category: Arms and Armour / Sporting Guns

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