Holland & Holland serial numbers

[LES7]

Guys, forgive me if this isn’t the place…. I’m not very good at this online stuff. Please let me know where to post if not. But what year range would you put this H&H bolt action, 98 New Bond St. barrel mark?
thank you and merry Christmas

 

[JPetroni]

LES7,

Congratulations on owning a H&H. I do not know the Holland serial number ranges, and you might already be aware of this, but may I suggest that you contact H&H and for a nominal fee they should be able to provide you with the exact year of manufacture and the original specifications along with possibly who ordered it originally. You never know, it might show some interesting information.
At the very least you would have a factory letter to go with your fine rifle confirming it’s specifications and possibly a copy from their ledger books.

Best of Luck,

JP

 

[JvW]

I had a look in my copy of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers - Volume I" and according to him, the serial numbers 9 000-10 000 are unused in the Holland ledgers. Also, the identical proofmarks on the barrel and action looks like South African proofmarks.

I would contact Holland & Holland directly on this one.

 

[LES7]

LES7,

Congratulations on owning a H&H. I do not know the Holland serial number ranges, and you might already be aware of this, but may I suggest that you contact H&H and for a nominal fee they should be able to provide you with the exact year of manufacture and the original specifications along with possibly who ordered it originally. You never know, it might show some interesting information.
At the very least you would have a factory letter to go with your fine rifle confirming it’s specifications and possibly a copy from their ledger books.

Best of Luck,

JP

Thanks, I’ve got an inquiry in, they are just taking their time getting back to me

 

[LES7]

Thanks, I’ve got an inquiry in, they are just taking their time getting back to me

I don’t own it yet… just doing some research before I pull the trigger

 

[LES7]

I had a look in my copy of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers - Volume I" and according to him, the serial numbers 9 000-10 000 are unused in the Holland ledgers. Also, the identical proofmarks on the barrel and action looks like South African proofmarks.

I would contact Holland & Holland directly on this one.

I saw that too? What would the SA proof marks mean that it could be a forgery?

 

[Monsai52]

I don't read that as being a Holland & Holland rifle, just that the caliber is Holland's 375 Magnum Rimless.

Best regards,

 

[LES7]

I don't read that as being a Holland & Holland rifle, just that the caliber is Holland's 375 Magnum Rimless.

Best regards,

The barrel has Holland & Holland 98 New Bond St
Guy from Holland said it looks correct but that serial number is too high
I've got the seller getting in touch with London. Rifle is kind of a head scratcher right now

 

[JvW]

I saw that too? What would the SA proof marks mean that it could be a forgery?

It's a possibility, although a letter from H&H should clear things up pretty quickly.

 

[Major Bonkers]

(1) Please might you check that the cross bolt is unengraved? I should have expected it to be engraved (and timed - ie. properly horizontal, not at an angle). If you can post some more pictures, that might help. Even quite ordinary guns were/ are engraved in a house style. Just on the basis of the one picture, I am a little dubious that it is a Holland & Holland rifle at all: so far as I can see, the engraved description is in respect of the cartridge, not the rifle. Any rogue can engrave a spurious maker's name on the barrel.

(2) Check the throat of the barrel for cordite burn. If there is any, either beat the price down or walk away.

I'll post some pictures of my H&H tomorrow, if I have time. My rifle is from the late '60s, and - frankly - it's a bit of a dog. The QD scope mounts do not align with the barrel and the stock is so badly fitted that the rifle kicks like a mule. Post-war H&H rifles were of variable quality; don't be seduced by the name alone.

 

[LES7]

(1) Please might you check that the cross bolt is unengraved? I should have expected it to be engraved (and timed - ie. properly horizontal, not at an angle). If you can post some more pictures, that might help. Even quite ordinary guns were/ are engraved in a house style. Just on the basis of the one picture, I am a little dubious that it is a Holland & Holland rifle at all: so far as I can see, the engraved description is in respect of the cartridge, not the rifle. Any rogue can engrave a spurious maker's name on the barrel.

(2) Check the throat of the barrel for cordite burn. If there is any, either beat the price down or walk away.

I'll post some pictures of my H&H tomorrow, if I have time. My rifle is from the late '60s, and - frankly - it's a bit of a dog. The QD scope mounts do not align with the barrel and the stock is so badly fitted that the rifle kicks like a mule. Post-war H&H rifles were of variable quality; don't be seduced by the name alone.

It’s on gunbroker here are the pics, let me know what you think. no serial number on trigger guard I already asked. He did send me a bore scope video, didn’t look bad at all
thanks