Guns International #: 102158441
Seller's Inventory #: Holland & Holland Modele De Luxe 20ga

Category - Holland & Holland Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double

Category
Holland & Holland Shotguns
Shotguns - English Double

Holland & Holland Modele De Luxe 20ga - BEST SLE - Custom Made for Dean Martin - Exquisite Custom Engraving - Excellent Provenance

Description:
Holland & Holland Modele De Luxe 20ga - BEST SLE - Custom Made for Dean Martin - Exquisite Custom Engraving and story 

Provenance:
 
*UN-OFFICIAL* Any and all who can verify are deceased.
HOLLAND & HOLLAND Modele Deluxe 20 Bore

SERIAL # 36385 …….. One of the last guns made before Holland & Holland moved operations from New Bond St. to Bruton St. late 1959/60
Barrels made by Mr. Perry [reputed to be finest barrel smith and striker at that time]. This this gun has a flat slightly elevated rib that is “hand wriggled” which is the “old way” of making an anti-glare rib surface literally by hand-scribing with a chisel point. Only Perry did this operation since “file cut” [traditionally only for rifles] was faster and easier.

Action made by Bill Kenniston [finest in the shop and only man allowed to do 20 bore Royals].  
Stocker was Dennis Smith or C. Beusley [only 2 that did Royals]. 
Engraver was Bob Corbett
 
HISTORICAL
This was a bespoke gun for the legendary USA musician Johnny Mercer who [check his incredible career on Wikepedia] also was a founder of Capital records. The gun was ordered as a gift for Mercer by the actor and singer Dean Martin.  The name on the Holland and Holland order sheet indicates “Martin”.  Mercer also did the music for Song of the South and Dumbo. These movies are no longer available in original print because of “racially inappropriate” content.   
Born in Georgia, Mercer loved the South and was quietly an avid duck and pheasant hunter. He wanted a gun to “do it all” which meant a 20 Bore because Southern Quail plantations typically ban 12 bores.  See gun specs next page for versatile nature of gun. The scenes on this gun were engraved from pictures of Mercer’s Georgia plantation including the bridge over a creek to get there. According to Mercer’s family he loved this gun like a musical instrument. He occasionally hunted untilin the mid- ‘70’s when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Mercer identified himself as “the wise old owl” who was a famous caricature in one of his movies. .  In keeping with his self-image, the action bottom plate of this shotgun has a singlegold owl.
The firearm was purchased from the Mercer Estate through Amanda Mercer and Herschel Chadick of Texas.  Where it was in a private collection for approximately 40 years.
 
DESCRIPTION
H&H Modele Deluxe sidelock, scene engraved with deep floral engraved lumps. Gold stripe cocking indicator. Engraved with scenes from the Mercer estate in Georgia.
Original oak and leather case with brass inner lip reinforcement. Original canvas outer cover. A locking key for the case is included.  
All three original labels are in the case lid specific to this gun.Bond Street Holland label gold over black pigskin; “bore to shoot” specs for load the gun was patterned with; and lubricating instructions. 
A pair of snap caps and an oil bottle are original and engraved with Holland & Holland London. 
A rosewood cleaning rod and all cleaning accessories are in the case. 
An ebony striker box is fitted in case with a pair of extra gold plated firing pins [strikers] made for this gun.
Stock Length 15 ¼” to leather covered recoil pad. English grip.Splinter forend. Double trigger, with hinged front trigger. Gold initial oval. 28” barrels. Deeply figured exhibition French Walnut.
 

**scroll down for specs**

Quillen & Worfe Fine Guns Disclosures and Important Information:

• Please enjoy this experience, it is supposed to be Fun and Exciting!
• If you’re Excited about your purchase – I promise, the Fun will follow.  
• I will do my best to help you acquire these listings in a manner that suits your lifestyle.  
• Quillen-Worfe Fine Guns is a screen name derived of the two most important family names.
• This page began as a means to sell my own collection in 2017 – it developed into a passion. 
• I love God, Family, Friends, Dogs, Fine Shotguns and the USA!
• You’re encouraged to make reasonable offers on my listings. 
• Many of the offerings on this page belong me personally – some are consigned and a few belong to friends and high end dealers that I assist to market their guns online. 
• Guns listed on this page are located at my FFL’s office for your convenience. 
• If you’re a local buyer and the gun you buy belongs to a dealer, there will be tax due if you live the the state of Texas. No exceptions. 
• Call me between 10 AM and 8 PM Central Standard Time – I’m easy to talk to. 
• TRADES:  they’re hard!  You must be reasonable. I do about 10% of the trades proposed – cash is king!  Hard truth!
• LAYAWAY: available on MOST guns, please inquire about my terms if you have a need – glad to do it when I can.  Typically 33% down, 33% in 30 days and then 33% plus shipping on the following 30 days. Once you start a layaway, you must finalize it or forfeit the initial payments.
• ALL OF MY TRANSACTIONS ARE DONE THROUGH MY FFL with whom I have a very solid relationship.  If you buy a guns from me, you’ll pay them (this may vary from time to time), they will ship to your FFL of choice and all dealings will be with them post receipt of funds.  They are a high end boutique gun dealer in the Texas Hill Country and can accommodate the entire transaction.  
• If you live in Texas and want to drive to see one of my guns, reach out to me to discuss making an appointment with my FFL – I do not show guns at my home nor do I meet guys at public locations for viewings or sales.  ALL GUNS ARE LEGALLY TRANSFERRED through my FFL – there are NO EXCEPTIONS.  
• PAYMENT: DO NOT USE USPS… pay the extras $12 to send your payment UPS GROUND and the transaction will be faster and your check will not be lost as happens often with our USPS system. Certified funds are preferred – if you send a personal check for payment the FFL ships one week after receipt. Certified funds payments – shipments are done next business day.  NO CREDIT CARD payments are accepted. 
• I encourage you to shoot the guns you buy from  these listings – so during your 3 day inspection – shoot the gun.  Make sure it is operating in the manner you expected.  If you are not happy – return the gun for a full refund except shipping costs. 

SOLD

Shotgun Gauge: 20 Gauge
Manufacturer: Holland & Holland of London
Model: Modele De Luxe Custom SLE
Serial Number: 36385
Barrel Length: 28”
Chambers: 2 3/4”
Ejectors: Auto Timed Crisp
Condition: 98%
Metal Condition: 99%
Wood Condition: 99%
Bore Condition: 99%
Triggers: Double English
Stock: Straight English
Stock Comb: 1 1/2”
Stock Heel: 2 1/2”
Stock Cast: Right Hand Cast Off
Fore End: Splinter English
Butt Pad: Leather Buttpad
LOP: 15 1/4”
Rib: Raised Matted Concave Game Rib
Finish: Hand Rubbed Oil
Weight: 6 lbs 3 ozs
Chokes: .003/.003 LTSK/LTSK