Holland & Holland, 98 New Bond Street, London
20 bore Back Action, Sidelock Non-ejector
No. 5854  
Date of manufacture: 1880

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Heritage Guns' Comment This is a particularly interesting early example of what became the ‘Climax’ sidelock retailed by this pre-eminent 'Maker as their first hammerless shotgun, built on the famous Scott & Baker patent no. 761. Referred to in the order book as ‘New double breech loader hammerless (Scotts)’ it pre-dates many of the features that would become commonplace with the Climax model. For example, it is two years too early for the ‘Patent Gas Check’ and although it utilises the Needham & Hinton interceptor sear (here marked inside the lockplates as ‘PATENT SAFETY’, later to be marked as ‘PATENT BLOCK SAFETY’), the fitting is subtly different. Also note the use of the word ‘BOLTED’ instead of ‘SAFE’ on the top tang and no ‘Climax’ engraved on the bar. The quality of the gunmaking in this example is of the first order: the filing up of the top lever is really ornate, the tumblers are gold washed and even the tumbler swivel pins are engraved, a part that no owner is every likely to see. Rebarrelled by Mortimer & Son of Edinburgh in the 1930’s, their measurements and condition are really good. The restocking may have taken place at the same time and the straight grain wood is strong and has good dimensions. With its interceptor sears, great barrels and excellent stock dimensions, this gun would make a safe and attractive target or game gun for the discerning shooter. The gun balances just in front of the knuckle. Presented in its oak-lined case, relined in blue wool baize with reproduction label and some accessories. WE REGRET THAT THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR GUN, PLEASE CONTACT US.

Note: gun much be cocked when the barrels are removed or great difficulty will be had in refitting them.

 The action is of Scott & Baker design and features:
Double triggers bolted by an automatic top tang safety slide;
Characteristic sculpted lockplates; ‘Patent Safety’ interceptor sears;
Back action, 8 pin sidelocks; Patent, hooked cocking rods;
Top lever operating a 'Purdey Bolt' by way of a ‘Scott Spindle’
and Deeley forend catch.
Gun weight 5lb 7oz
Engraving style Finely executed bouquet & scroll. Gold inlaid ‘BOLTED’ at safety slide.
Stylized feather engraved fences. Locks signed ‘HOLLAND & HOLLAND’.
The action flats are stamped ‘No.761 PATENT – 199’ in a diamond and ‘PATENT ACTION’.
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ½ lbs Rear trigger 4 ¾ lbs.
The replacement steel barrels are 27" in length, chambered for 2 3/4" (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed ‘dovetail’ construction with soft soldered ribs.
Top rib is of the smooth, concave game type. 
Birmingham proof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 1933-34.

Approximate barrel measurements at date of publication:

Approximate stock measurements at date of publication:

For the purposes of these measurements, 'Drop at Face' is the 'drop' measurement taken on a line perpendicular to the
line joining the trigger and centre of the butt at approximately 8" from the trigger (front trigger on a double trigger gun).

Patents Exhibited include:
'Purdey Bolt' patent no. 1104 of 1863;
'Scott Spindle' patent no. 2752 of 1865;
 Scott & Baker cocking patent no. 761 of 1878;
 Needham & Hinton interceptor sears patent no. 706 of 1879;
 Deeley’s forend catch patent no 1422 of 1873.