description

Holland & Holland 12g Riviera Model Two Barrel Set built in 1947. 

According to vintage H&H catalogs the Riviera Model was described as:

“A 12 bore Hammerless Ejector Gun with two pairs of interchangeable 28 in. Barrels, treble grip action, two triggers-front hinged, hand-detachable locks, selected French walnut, chambered for the 2 ¾-inch case, weight about 7 lbs. 4 oz. To 7 lbs. 6 oz... introduced particularly for sportsmen desirous of a using one gun only, for either game or trap shooting. One pair of barrels bored full choke, while the second pair throw more open patterns for game shooting.”

Built on the Badminton Ejector Sidelock action with Treble Grip action body and hand detachable locks. The action is fitted with two triggers, the front one hinged, and a non-automatic safety. It is engraved in a bold floral pattern with the Maker’s name in flowing banners and a brushed finish. Gold lined cocking indicators and fire blued pins, “SAFE” inlaid in gold, with a brushed finish on the action. On the bottom of the action it is engraved “Badminton Ejector” and “Made in England” is engraved on the hinge pin. 

Just as described in the catalogs, the gun is a factory two-barrel set; each set with hidden third bites.  The first set of barrels numbered “1” in gold on the top rib at the breaches, is choked at .004” and .010” and listed on the build sheet as “field” barrels. The second set of barrels numbered “2” in gold on the top rib at the breach, are choked .029” and .040”. I have always viewed Holland’s as one of the best barrel makers in the trade and these barrels are no different. Each set of barrels maintain their original 2 ¾" chambers (1 ¼ oz London proofs ca. 1925 to 1954) and the same minimum wall thickness as described on the factory build sheet (.024” in the Field barrels and .026” in the Pigeon barrels). The barrels are also marked with the “98 New Bond St.” address and “Riviera” is engraved on each top rib. 

The factory records also show the gun was originally built for a Mr. Ferrera but was returned to the factory in 1999 by Mr. Herbert Hyatt, a well-known collector. The gun received the following work by Holland & Holland as described:

·       Restock to Mr. Hyatt’s dimensions using Deluxe wood

·       Rechecked forend and stain

·       Reblack both barrel sets

·       Reblack furniture

·       Engrave hand detach lever and pick up engraving on barrels

·       Strip clean and check

·       Stamp numbers on barrel loops

The gun was appropriately restocked (as described in the vintage catalogs) with a French walnut straight grip stock with diamond hand and a splinter forend with an Anson push rod. The stock has traditional drop points, point pattern checkered with Mullered borders and a 14 ½" LOP over a checkered butt. The stock oval remains blank.

Overall the gun’s condition is excellent. The action has a brushed receiver and the stock is highly figured with good dimensions. The No. “1” barrel’s black is quite thin around the chamber area of the left barrel. Just a few handling marks on the stock, but overall very nice. The barrels remain in excellent condition. 

In the maker’s lightweight leather, two-barrel set, toe under “VC” case with original trade label, care and charge cards in the case lid. Appears to be the original green baize and includes a two-piece cleaning rod, snap caps and j/m/b. 

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