Holland & Holland 12 Gauge Cross-Over Sidelock Shotgun – 1912 Production

Holland & Holland 12 Gauge Cross-Over Sidelock Shotgun – 1912 Production

30" Nitro-Proofed Barrels | Cross-Over Stock | Engraved | Custom Leather Case | Serial No. 20952

OVERVIEW

Offered here is a fascinating and highly distinctive Holland & Holland 12-gauge sidelock shotgun, serial number 20952, manufactured in 1912 and built with a specialized cross-over stock designed for a right-shouldered shooter using the left eye.

This is an especially interesting example of the bespoke work for which Holland & Holland became renowned. Rather than a conventional straight stock, the beautifully figured walnut stock is dramatically offset to bring the rib naturally beneath the shooter's left eye while the gun remains mounted to the right shoulder. Period records accompanying the shotgun support its original 1912 manufacture and specialized configuration.

The gun is built on a back-action sidelock, ejector action with double triggers and a top lever. The action and all "coined finished" areas feature extensive traditional scroll engraving.

The 30" blued barrels retain crisp Birmingham/London-era proof markings and are Nitro Proofed for 1 1/8 oz. loads. The chambers measure 2 3/4", with approximately .170" chamber-wall thickness measured. The bores remain good overall with only very slight scattered pitting in both barrels, and the chokes appear relatively open. The action flats are marked “No. 3 Grade”.

Completing the package is a fitted custom leather takedown case, along with copies of period and later correspondence and Holland & Holland record information relating to the shotgun.

SPECIFICATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS

• Manufacturer: Holland & Holland
• Serial Number: 20952
• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Manufacture Date: 1912
• Grade Marking: “No. 3 Grade” marked on the flats
• Action: Back-Action Sidelock
• Ejectors: Yes
• Triggers: Double Triggers
• Opening: Top Lever
• Barrel Length: 30"
• Barrel Finish: Blued
• Chambers: 2 3/4"
• Proof: Nitro Proofed for 1 1/8 oz. loads
• Chamber-Wall Thickness: Approximately .170"
• Chokes: Appear relatively open
• Bores: Good overall with very slight pitting in both barrels
• Stock: Figured and Hand Checkered Walnut Cross-Over Stock
• Stock Configuration: Designed for right-shoulder / left-eye use
• Length of Pull: Approximately 14 1/4" over pad
• Recoil Pad: Hawkins
• Engraving: Extensive traditional scroll engraving
• Receiver Finish: Coin-finished appearance
• Includes: Custom fitted leather takedown case and supporting historical documentation

Cross-Over Stock

The defining feature of this shotgun is its highly specialized cross-over stock, which allows a shooter to mount the gun from the right shoulder while bringing the sighting plane beneath the left eye. Such stocks required considerable fitting and stockmaking skill and represent the bespoke nature of the British gun trade at its highest level.

CONDITION

This shotgun remains in excellent overall condition for its age and presents as a remarkably well-preserved example of a more than century-old bespoke Holland & Holland.

The walnut remains attractive with strong figure and checkering, showing age-appropriate handling and use. The engraved action remains crisp and attractive. The barrels retain a pleasing blue finish, and the bores are good overall with only very slight pitting present in both barrels.

The fitted leather case shows honest age and use consistent with the shotgun.

Given the age and specialized nature of this firearm, the included measurements and proof information should be considered carefully when selecting appropriate ammunition. The barrels are marked for traditional 1 1/8 oz. Nitro Proof loads, rather than modern magnum ammunition.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.

COMPLIANCE & SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING – U.S. shipping only where lawful. FFL required.

An FFL is required for shipping upon purchase of this item. During checkout, please enter the billing and shipping address associated with your form of payment. Your preferred receiving FFL may be noted in the order comments section; the business name, city, and state are sufficient.

It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure the firearm is legal to own in their state or locality. Firearms will only be shipped to a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. Please have your receiving dealer email a copy of their FFL, along with your name and the firearm purchased, to info@tylergunworks.com . Shipment will be made only after the FFL has been received and verified.