I’ve seen a few of these. Is it just a copy of a WR? I was under the impression that they were sourced from WR. If they are, how much of the work do you think WR did? Was the action sourced in the white ?


https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...shotguns/hollis-12g.cfm?gun_id=102611223

I have seen a few guns built on a WR style action but not by WR . Brazier ,best known for locks , built some under licence and may well have made after patents had expired .

Damn, that is a good looking gun. Full up on 2 1/2” 12 gauges at the moment, but, I ‘gotta tell you, the check would already be in the mail if I wasn’t.

Best,
Ted

tis indeed a beauty.....your question got a pretty good work-out in this thread; https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=569479#Post569479....i even participated a bit.

best regards,

tom

I have an Isaac Hollis gun built on a Westley Richards action. Totally plain and a bit like the Gold Name model to look at but just inscribed I. Hollis on the side of the action. No idea if made under licence or action sourced. Very plain with Damascus barrels in 12 bore box-lock non-ejector but has a certain rather pleasing look to it. Also seen a Kavanagh gun on a WR action recently which is a rather nice box-lock ejector. Was rather tempted; and still am. Lagopus.....

i have contacted the seller and asked several questions;

please provide photos of the proofmarks, both flats and watertable; (it continues to astound me why so many sellers of good doubles never show proofs)

the photos show that the engraved markings at the breech end of the barrels appear to be rather heavily buffed, and the usually tight fitting of the dolls head to the action looks a bit sloppy... please show a photo of the rib legend;

the description states the barrels measure .028 & .029....are those the mwt? have you measured the barrels, or is that handed down information?

what do the bores measure now? are they in proof?

his reply was brief, accompanied by two photos, barrel flats and watertable (which i am not smart enough to transfer to this thread)...he answered no other questions, simply stating the gun was sound and strong, and had been hunted for grouse about 20 days per year by the prior owner. the proofs show a faint set of original b'ham marks that look to be from the 1905-24 era, and show 13/1 as bores. and, a set of the current (2005 forward) marks "crown over std", bnp, 12 x 65 and 18.7mm bores on both tubes. i read this as indicating both tubes have been honed from as little as .720 to .736 (at the time of reproofing), and that combined with the .028/.029 numbers would have meant these barrels were originally pretty thick for a light game gun? he also states that the gun "may" be refinished....i see blued triggers, blued heel & toe plates, obviously reblacked barrels, reblued bottom tang and screws, and obviously refinished wood/recut checkering. the watertable shows sn 68499 - which is 32k later than my sleeved 1890ish hollis, which is pretty much what lagopus describes above....but a dandy shooter.

i have some interest in this gun, but fear there is too little information to feel comfortable proceeding....and smell a situation that does not inspire confidence.

best regards,
tom

Posted on behalf of C J Dawe......bought last June at the 7th annual Upper Canada Double Gun Classic and restored by Mr Dawe.

Tom,
It is not astounding that sellers don’t show pictures of the flats. Pictures of the flats answer questions and then lead to further questions. Dealers, to a large degree are not in the business of answering questions, especially questions that are not asked.

They are in the business of selling guns. End of story.

The gun is unquestionably refinished. It is damn hard to find an English gun that hasn’t been. Some of the engraving appears to have been chased, on the action, and the engraving at the breeches is faint.

If you would like, email the photos he sent you. I’ll post them for you. My email is in my profile.

Best,
Ted

pretty much every one of the older issac hollis guns seem to have this unusual style of checkering....with curved borders rather than straight ones. mine exhibits this same style - on a more plain gun.

best regards,

tom

received another bit of information from the seller...."the barrels were measuring at Coles Fine Guns in Naples, Florida, 9 inches from the breech and i was told it was perfectly safe to fire with 2.5 shells. It's a reputable company and I trust them."

that's in reference to the .028 & .029 measurements.....another rocket surgeon/brain scientist, methinks....

best regards,

tom