3 lots to watch at auction

The sporting gun auction scene has exploded in recent years. No longer the watering hole for just those wanting a bargain or a restoration project, serious names of the gunmaking world – we’re talking the Holy Trinity – can be found gracing the pages of the catalogue.

Every thirst is slaked, from a £100 rusty banger to sit in the Land Rover passenger seat to a £50,000 Holland and Holland pair that will venture to the likes of Warter Priory or Drumlanrig Estate. The bidding buzz is such that you could find yourself tempted by an auction lot that you would never have previously considered – there is something overwhelmingly intoxicating about the environment and the ebullient pace of the auctioneer that instantly has you on the edge of your seat, eyeing up every shotgun that passes through the floor.

And with the advent of online bidding, enthusiasts are able to watch proceedings and interact, whether in London or sat in a café in New York. One such company to embrace this is Holt’s, leading auctioneers of fine modern and antique guns, whose sporting auctions boast some amazing pieces – here are 3 to watch out for in June…

JOHN RIGBY & CO

Lot 1200 – The first ever .470 Nitro Express boxlock non-ejector double rifle made by London gunmaker John Rigby & Co.

Estimate: £8,000-12,000.

JOHN WILKES

Lot 1405 – A fine and virtually unused 12-bore sidelock ejector by London gunmaker John Wilkes.

Estimate: £20,000-25,000.

W.W. GREENER

Lot 1500 – A fine and scarce 16-bore ‘Grade G60 Royal’ by W.W. Greener.

Estimate: £6,000-8,000.

For more information, click here.

By Patrick Tillard