Magnificent Holland & Holland Double Rifle in .375 Flanged Magnum engraved by the incomparable Philippe Grifnee, completed in 1997. Price On Request

John Manton and Son, London. An absolutely stunning 14-bore, cased double barreled, Flintlock Sporting Gun, #10571, made in 1830 for the Earl of Plymouth, Robert Henry Clive (1789-1854), grandson of Robert Clive (1725-1774) who was also known as "Clive of India". Weight: 7 lbs. Stock dimensions: 14 ¼" LOP. Superb 31 3/4" Damascus barrels with absolutely pristine breeches, unaltered bores (.701"/.701"), and thick walls (.056"/.056") at the muzzles, retaining most of the original external finish. Stepped-in breeches engraved and with platinum lines inlaid fore-and-aft also have platinum-lined touch holes and retain much of the original hardening colors. The ramrod is original as is the spare that accompanies the gun. The peerless quality locks, retaining much original finish have deep-V pans (without platinum divider bars) and gooseneck cocks. The hammers have been struck a few times but, like the breeches, show little-or-no evidence of ever being used in the field. Absolutely mechanically perfect with extremely powerful main and feather springs as you would expect from this Maker! Beautifully engraved iron mounts retain much of the original dark blue finish with some of the finish worn off the trigger guard tang and butt plate. Nicely figured walnut stock has a few handling marks and a minor repair to the mortise just above the bar of the right lock. Overall the stock retains virtually all the original finish with sharp, crisp, checkering at the wrist. Silver wrist escutcheon, showing no wear, is engraved with a griffin and torse over the owners initials, "RHC". The whole in the original mahogany case with a complete compliment of original accessories including spare ramrod, stout 3-piece loading rod, Hawksley pigskin leather-covered powder flask signed in ink by hand, " G.H.W. Windsor-Clive", over an abbreviation for the Coldstream Guards referring to Lieutenant Colonel George Herbert Windsor Windsor-Clive (1835-1918), the second son of Robert Clive and younger brother of the original owner. Also included in the case are a leather flint wallet containing spare flints and two spare side nails, wad punch, double turnscrew, pan brush, and original key to the case ... all in fine condition. Overall a magnificent, incredibly rare, original set, with impeccable provenance, mechanically absolutely perfect, the whole remaining in superb condition throughout, and suitable for the finest collection or use in the field today. Not likely you will ever see a finer example offered for sale !! Provenance: Made in 1830 for the Earl of Plymouth, Robert Henry Clive (1789-1854), grandson of Robert Clive (1725-1774) who was also known as "Clive of India". Purchased by my friend, Norm Blank, around 1962 directly from the Earl of Plymouth's estate in a sale facilitated by Keith Neal. Ownership passed to Lewis Drake in 2023. SOLD

Daniel Fraser, Edinburgh. Extraordinary Historic Mannlicher-Schoenauer, “take-down” action, African sporting rifle, #2846, in 6.5x 53R Dutch, completed for a British Baronet, Sir Alfred E. Pease, in the early 1890's. Sir Alfred's prowess as a lion hunter was widely known and highly regarded throughout Africa, so much so that Theodore Roosevelt, in preparation for his legendary, year long, African Safari in 1909, chose Sir Alfred to introduce him to lion hunting. T.R.'s first stop on his safari was a prolonged stay with Sir Alfred and Lady Pease at their home, “Kitanga”, in the Athi Plains of Kenya, East Africa. During his stay there he and Sir Alfred became fast friends and the first three chapter's of Roosevelt's classic book, “African Game Trails” , relate his and his son Kermit's adventures while staying there. Later, in 1913, Pease published his classic, “Book Of The Lion” , which is an absolute must read for anyone with any interest in African hunting during the golden age of the late 19 th and early 20 th century. In his book Sir Alfred refers to the Fraser rifle as “ his constant companion since 1892” and continues on to extol it's many virtues and give his reasons for choosing it over the more common larger bores, which you will better understand when you learn more about his unorthodox method of chasing lions across the plains on horseback, dropping the reins at full gallop, and dispatching the lion with the little .256 ! If you are in any way interested, go to the link below for the complete, 29 minute, uncut version of the “Shooting USA – Histories Guns” video interview that ran on The Outdoor Channel a few months ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2pva9Y_RjA&t=44s Description: Weight: 7 ½ Lbs. Stock: 14 ½” LOP. Superb 26” steel barrel with excellent bore and very precise open sights consisting of a single fixed 100 yd. rear sight with 3 folding leaves out to 400 yd., and a tiny spirit level like those found on the best long range target rifles of an earlier era. The ramp front sight has a very thin blade with a tiny round porcelain dot affixed to the rear, and a larger flip-up twilight bead. In addition, there is a Lyman folding, windage and elevation adjustable, peep sight located just behind the rear tang of the action that, when brought into play, brings the rear sight, front sight, and target all into near perfect focus at the same time! Now, for most of us old-timers who grew up using open sights, that over-simplified explanation will be superfluous, however, I have been around enough to realize there are lots of younger folks hunting out there who have never had to depend on anything other than scopes. Well, enough of that …. the point I want to make is that this little rifle has the best configuration of open sights I have had the pleasure of shooting in recent memory, perhaps ever, and, assuming proper lighting conditions, I would not hesitate to use it on certain types of game out to 200 yards. The silky smooth action is fitted with a “Fraser Patent” trigger group which incorporates an ingenious and mechanically rather simple intercepting safety sear which I have never before seen on a bolt action rifle. Barrel “take-down” is accomplished by removing the large knurled set screw in the left side of the action, then unscrewing the barrel from the action. The highly figured stock, with game log carved into the right side, records 36 species of game, 100 animals, harvested with this rifle between 1900 and 1909 in Southern Africa, Sudan Somali Land, British East Africa Kenya Colony, and perhaps India (Bear). “Kongoni”, is Swahili for Wildebeest/Coke’s Hartebeest … African species of grassland antelope … 17 taken. Also note the number of Hippo, Lion, and Leopard! This magnificent little rifle has been lovingly preserved for well over a century and has never been offered for public sale. Complete provenance provided by my dear friend, Guy Bignell of Griffin and Howe, accompanies the gun which comes complete in it’s original case with trade label, original elephant hide sling, and all original accessories including cartridge clips. At our behest, Mike Ehinger worked up the loads for the rifle. Please note the attached targets! In addition there are about 120 rounds of loaded ammo, a few rounds of new brass, and a rare first edition copy of, “Book Of The Lion”, by Sir Alfred E. Pease, Bart. , which accompany the gun. Overall an incredibly rare, deadly accurate, completely genuine, piece of African history and rather poignant reminder of days that will never be again. The ideal gift for some very special and dedicated young hunter who desires to carry on the traditions of that bygone era. Price On Request

John Manton and Son, London. Magnificent 17-bore double barreled Sporting Gun, #6324, made in 1817 for Henry James Montagu-Scott, 2 nd Baron Montagu of Boughton (16 December 1776 – 30 October 1845) . Weight: 6 ¾ Lbs. Stock Dimensions: 14 5/8”x 1 3/8”x 2 5/8”x st. Superb 28” Damascus barrels (possibly shortened for the owner early-on by Manton) have brilliant bores (.647”/.647”) and retain much of the original finish. Beautiful locks with typical John Manton "French" cocks have extremely powerful main and hammer springs which, along with the stepped-in breeches, would make for very fast ignition. John Manton Patent deep-V pans were the order of the day for Manton when this gun was made and the conventional pans on these locks were likely at the owner’s behest. Nicely engraved locks retain much of the original hardening colors and internals are still brilliant. Feather Springs with rollers retain most of the original fire blue finish. Hammers have been struck a few times but overall the locks show little, if any, evidence of actually being fired. The mounts are engraved en suite and retain most of the original brilliant dark blue finish except for the heel of the butt plate. The nicely figured stock, with silver escutcheon at the wrist engraved with a crown over the letter, “M”, is overall in fine condition with the exception of a few bruises and a couple of filled-in areas near the heel of the butt. The Whole in the original Maker’s Mahogany case with a complete compliment of original accessories (bow-tie turnscrew a modern replacement) and original spare parts consisting of 2 hammers, 2 top jaws, 1 top jaw screw, 1 cock screw, and a spare side nail. Overall an absolutely stunning gun retaining much original finish throughout, showing virtually little-or-no evidence of actual use in the field, made by one of, perhaps THE greatest, British gunmaker ever to draw breath. A great rarity to find in this condition and suitable for the finest collection or for use in the field today. Provenance: Henry James Montagu-Scott, 2nd Baron Montagu of Boughton (16 December 1776 – 30 October 1845) , to his nephew Walter Francis, 5th Duke of Buccleuch" and "By descent to Henry Montagu Douglas Scott, later 1st Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, (Gns. 1800), R.J. Wigington (Arbour Antiques, Ltd., Stratford-Upon-Avon) . SOLD

Gamebore, "Traditional Game" , 28ga. Shot Shells, 2 1/2" case, #7 Shot. Price: $40 per box of 25 

Lyalvale Shot Shells, 2" chamber, 13/16 oz. (23 gm) load, #7 Shot. Price: $50 per Box of 25

Extremely rare hand-forged Damascus, “Alaska Skinning Knife Set”, custom made for me around 25 years ago by my Dear Friend and fellow long-bow hunter, Joe Keeslar. Smaller knife is 9” OAL with 5 ½” blade. The larger knife is 10 ¾” OAL with 6 ½” blade. Ideal set for use on largest North American Game and most African Plains Game. Joe told me recently that he only made “a couple” of these sets. Leather sheath for both knives complete with whetstone. Peerless quality throughout! Price On Request 

Superb, rare, hand-forged Damascus, “Survival Knife”, made for me around 20 years ago by my Dear Friend, Joe Keeslar. 13 ½” OAL with 8 ½” blade. Ingenious quick-release shoulder sheath for a right-handed person keeps the knife safely and very comfortably tucked away, with handle slanted downward, just beneath your left armpit, out-of-the-way, yet instantly available if the need arises. Great position for hunting or concealed carry if someone is so inclined. Also, does not interfere with walking through dense brush, climbing into a tree stand, or shooting a longbow from any position. Joe told me he might have made ten or twelve shoulder rigs like this with several different blade styles. Peerless quality in every respect. Price: $6800

A rare original Camp Axe and “Brut de Forge” Skinning Knife set, hand-forged from an old file for me many years ago by my dear friend, fellow longbow hunter, and renowned Master Bladesmith, Joe Keeslar. The axe is 10 ½” OAL and the knife is 8 ½” OAL with a 5” hollow ground blade. Custom leather combination sheath by the maker. Joe thought he “might have made five or six sets similar to this over the years”. Price: SOLD