Back in the early 1900s, a new kind of shotgun appeared in British. It was the hammerless OU, probably Merkel’s “Bock” over unders. Even though stack-barrel guns had been around for centuries, the German design was unique, and it’s inventiveness inspired several London makers to come up with OUs of their own.
Boss & Co’s John Robertson was one of the first with his OU patent of 1909. James Woodward & Sons locked down their design in 1913. Not wanting to be outdone, other makers followed, including Holland & Holland.
The 12 gauge shotgun you see here is a Holland & Holland Royal built on the company’s first OU design. Patented in 1914, this model was made into the 1930s. But with its deep action and complex design, it flopped. According to author Donald Dallas, the company built just 14 of them (including this incredible double rifle, SN 28482).
After scrapping this model, Holland & Holland made another run at OUs in the ’50s with a second design. It failed. Then in the ’80s the company introduced their current Royal OU (a design developed by W.W. Greener gunmakers Richard Tandy and David Dryhurst).
Holland & Holland – Royal Hammerless Ejector O/U – 12 ga: Price: $26,500.00
Action: Sidelock
Ejectors: Yes
Trigger: Double
Grip: Straight Grip
Forend: Checkered
Lop: 15 ”
Pad thickness: 0.75 ”
Type of butt: Rubber Pad
Drop comb: 1 3/4 ”
Drop heel: 2 1/8 ”
Cast amount: 1/4 ”
Cast: Off
Weight: 7 lbs, oz
Manufactured in: England
Manufacture Year: 1915Finish: Case Colored
Overall condition: Very Good
Stock condition: Very Good
Metal condition: Very Good
Stock: Original finish
Metal: Original finish
Barrel info:
Gauge: 12 ga
Chamber: 2 5/8 ”
Length: 29 ”
Chokes: C/IC
Rib type: Solid
Comments : Gun is in very good condition with a few light blemishes.
