Some of the best-known names in fine shotguns will be going under the hammer at Holts’ next auction of Fine, Modern & Antique Guns & Accessories, on June 21st and 22^nd.

Among the lots on offer is a Henry Atkin that was built for the well-known writer on shooting sports Gough Thomas Garwood (Lot 1450).

Another outstanding gun is a fine and impressive eight-bore single trigger sidelock ejector by William Ford (Lot 799). Although built in 1939, this lot comes with a letter from the makers specifying it as a gun for shooting crocodiles in India.

Any collectors of Holland & Holland will be spoilt for choice as examples are on offer for just about every sporting eventuality – from a four-bore, single-barrelled wildfowler (Lot 726) to a Rook rifle tubed to .22lr (Lot 1213), not to mention a pair of single trigger 16-bores (Lot 1354) and a fine ‘Modele de Luxe’ Pigeon gun (Lot 1470), with two set of barrels and interchangeable single and double triggers.

Examples of No. 2 and No. 3 sidelock ejectors are also available, as well as a Royal Brevis and an unmolested .375 Flanged 2 ½in Lee Speed, shot and regulated by Holland & Holland (Lot 1128).

The Purdey dynasty is also well represented with some famous connections: a trio of 12-bore over and unders connected to the Nickerson family (Lot 1350) and Capt James Alexander Purdey’s own .455/.476 Webley double action service revolver (Lot 1060).

If you are after a big game double rifle at a fraction of the cost new there is also a fine, Kelly-engraved .577 nitro express sidelock ejector double rifle (Lot 1205).

As well as the main auction, Holts’ ever-popular Sealed Bid Auction will be running until July 1^st and, with more than 3,000 lots to choose from, there is something for everyone.

www.holtsauctioneers.com