Lot 333

Pair of Grifnee Engraved Holland & Holland 28 Gauge Shotguns

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Pair of Grifnee Engraved Holland & Holland 28 Gauge Shotguns

Estimate: $275,000 - $450,000

Starting Bid: $225,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Masterpiece Consecutive Pair of Factory Philippe Grifnee Bestial Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Holland & Holland 28 Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotguns with Case -A) Holland & Holland 28 Gauge Shotgun Masterpiece Consecutive Pair of Factory Philippe Grifnee Bestial Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Holland & Holland 28 Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotguns with Case -A) Holland & Holland 28 Gauge Shotgun Holland & Holland stand proudly amongst the best names in the fine arms trade, and many would argue that they are the best of the best. For nearly 200 years now Holland & Holland have pursued perfection, creating many of the finest arms ever made and never relented in their noble pursuit. But Holland & Holland guns are not simply objects of art and are highly functional weapons that are preferred by sportsmen in all corners of the world for any number of purposes, be it the great dove shoots of Argentina, driven pheasant on the moors of Britain, Guinea foul in southern Africa, or a duck blind in the American Midwest. Holland & Holland guns fill all these roles and more, performing flawlessly and looking stunning, like only a completely handmade and hand-fitted gun can. While all Holland & Holland guns are works of art, this magnificent consecutive pair of guns stands out from the pack as small bore 28 gauges engraved by none other than Master Engraver Philippe Grifnee, one of the finest engravers to ever cut on the steel canvas that is firearms. Grifnee trained in Belgium at the Liege School of Engraving, graduated in 1970, and began his engraving career engraving for firms like Doumolin and Auguste Francotte. By 1992 he had earned a reputation for excellence and was contracted to work for Holland & Holland, a relationship which soon became exclusive, no doubt much to the chagrin of the other fine arms makers of the world. Grifnee engraved for the firm until his untimely passing in 2012 at the age of just 59. This iconic pair is among both Grifnee and Holland & Holland's most recognizable work and is the kind of engraving that made Grifnee famous and forever carved his name on the history of the fine arms trade Each gun in this absolutely stunning true pair was built with deep blacked steel demiblock barrels featuring a single nickel bead sight on the hand filed narrow flat solid rib which is marked "HOLLAND & HOLLAND. LONDON" along with a gold "1" or "2" respectively at the base. The guns both show 1997 dated London nitro proof marks on the flats, acanthus leaf engraving at the breeches which continues down the barrel wings, interchangeable Briley chokes ("B"/"D" installed in both guns), and chambers marked 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels of each gun are fitted to the magnificent brushed bright finished hand detachable sidelock action which is elaborately embellished with highly detailed mythological beast themed engraving, with composition that could only come straight from the mind of a master like Grifnee. The engraving is comprised of exceptional relief carved winged beasts, showing a cockatrice at the center of each lockplate with the tail of a harpy in its jaws surrounded by more cockatrices, a putti, and bestial figures on either side with a carved dragon on the bolsters and a satyr bust on either side of the "detonation". The undersides show a bestial masque at the front with yet more bestial designs. The scenes are tied together with floral scroll designs the intertwine with the beasts and continue onto the trigger guard, the bestial carved toplever with a gold "1" or "2", and both tangs, the bottom of which shows the serial number flush inlaid in gold. The actions are accented with tiny gold inlays for the eyes of the beasts and both bear "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" in gold inlay on either lockplate and mixed bright and nitre blued lock pins. The lock internals are also engraved in the same style, showing Grifnee's dedication to work of the highest quality. Grifnee signed his work "Ph. Grifnee" on both guns on the triggerplate to the right of the trigger. The guns feature right hand beaded trigger guards, single triggers, gold centerlined cocking indicators, and bestial carved automatic tang mounted safeties with gold inlaid indicators. The guns are both fitted with stunning highly figured and mullered border multi-point checkered forends with matching engraved and gold inlaid brushed bright finished irons and Anson button releases with a gold "1" or "2". The Woodward style grip stocks are of equally stunning quality and feature checkering to match the forends, teardrop carved drop points, horn grip caps, gold stock ovals inscribed "R.E.P.", and checkered butts. Includes a maker's leather motor case that houses both guns marked "R.E.P." on the lid, a canvas cover marked the same, five extra choke tubes ("A", two "C", and two "E"), cleaning tools, nickel oil pot, and a snap cap. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at 14.0 mm (.551 inches); minimum wall thickness .035/.034 inches; 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 5 lbs. 13 oz.

Manufacturer: Holland & Holland Ltd

Model: Royal

BBL: 28 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 28

Finish: black/brushed bright/gold

Serial Number51057

Class: Modern Long Gun

B) Holland & Holland 28 Gauge Shotgun As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at 14.0 mm (.551 inches); minimum wall thickness .034/.035 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 5 lbs. 13 oz.

Manufacturer: Holland & Holland Ltd

Model: Royal

BBL: 28 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 28

Finish: black/brushed bright/gold

Serial Number51058

Class: Modern Long Gun

  • Condition: A) Excellent overall, retaining 99% original black, brushed bright, and gold finishes with minimal handling evidence, sharp engraving, and crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is also excellent with minor storage/transit evidence. B) Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original black, brushed bright, and gold finishes with minimal handling evidence, sharp engraving, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Do not let this chance to own a pair of Grifnee engraved Holland & Holland masterpiece 28 gauge guns pass you by. It may be some time before you see another to equal it!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000