description

In the 1920’s, Holland & Holland introduced a new model of shotgun called the Riviera. Made as a two-barrel set, the gun was conceived for the sportsman who desired only one gun for game and sport shooting. Completed in1986 this Royal Model De Luxe with game scene engraving by Geoffrey Casbard, is a Two-Barrel set, made up like the classic and versatile Riviera model of the 1920's.

Donald Dallas notes in his book, "The Royal Gun Maker", the Riviera was designed to serve as well shooting upland birds as it would shooting boxed pigeons, which was fashionable among the elite who vacationed along France’s Mediterranean coast, making it a clever name for the gun.  

Fast forward to the earlyl 1980's and gun No. 40825 is based on Holland's timelss "Royal" bar-action sidelock with hand detachable locks. The gun was ordered as a Model De Luxe, the top of the line model offered by Holland’s that included deluxe wood and special order engraving.  This gun features game scene engraving of flushing rooster pheasants and a pointing dog on the right lock plate, a woodcock in a wooded scene on the bottom of the action, and Mallards flushing off the water on the left lock plate. A Bobwhite quail is engraved whistling atop a fence post on the guard bow. The balance of the gun’s action body and furniture are engraved in a deluxe foliate scroll. The Maker’s name is engraved along the bottom edge of the lock plate with gold lined cocking indicators and the serial number and word “SAFE” inlaid in gold. The engraving is signed with the initials: “GLC” (Geoffrey Casbard) hidden in the game scenes. The action body and furniture are brushed bright to highlight the highly detailed engraving.  

The gun is stocked in nicely figured walnut with traditional drop points, a straight grip, a diamond shaped hand, and a 15 1/8” LOP over a checkered butt. Point pattern checkering with Mullered borders and the stock oval engraved with the original owner’s initials, “J.D.G.” and the date, “Nov. 2nd, 1986”. 

one set of 28” chopper lump barrels is paired with a splinter forend and choked .010” in the right barrel and .020” in the left.

The other set of 28" barrels are paired with a beavertail forend and are choked .031” in the right barrel and .037" in the left. This barrel is marked with a gold * on the top rib and a dot following each serial number on the bottom of barrel. 

Each set of barrels are fitted with Holland’s patented Self-Opening mechanism and ejectors, have smooth, concave game ribs, 2 ¾" chambers, and were proofed in London in 1985. The Maker’s name and the “33 Bruton St. London” address are engraved on top of the barrels.  

Each set of barrels also weighs exactly 2 lbs. 12.6 oz. Assembled the gun weighs 6 lbs. 9 oz with the splinter forend and 6 lbs. 12 oz with the beavertail forend; the slightly larger forend adding a few ounces of weight.   

The gun is complete in its original Maker’s lightweight “VC” case for two barrels and remains in excellent overall condition with only a few handling marks on the stock. All metal and bores remain excellent.  

This is a contemporary offering of a classic model from Holland’s and an exceptional gun on so many levels.

share