One of the highlights of Gavin Gardiner’s sporting gun sale at Sotheby’s in London on 15 December is a rare Holland & Holland Badminton 12-bore, built in 1974 as the prize in WAGBI’s first Annual Special Gun Draw.
It is expected to fetch £8,000-£12,000.
Also up for sale are a unique collection of over-under 12-bore Sporting Guns by premier London Gun Maker Boss & Co.
The collection of six pre-war guns includes two pairs of guns together with two single examples and is expected to fetch in excess of £200,000.
Estimates range from £30,000-40,000 for a single example to £80,000-100,000 for a fine pair built in 1927 and retaining much original finish.
As Gavin Gardiner explained: “The over-under was first patented by Boss & Co, London?s most exclusive gunmaker, in 1909 and the guns remain in production today. It is the most rev-erred of all vintage shotguns and fewer than 500 examples have been built in the 101-year history of this gun. While the ‘over-under’ gun has become a common sight today, the Boss remains the most influential design and all modern designs built today are based on this original.”

The sale of Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns and Rifles will take place on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at Sotheby?s, 34-35 New Bond Street, London.
Get the latest news delivered direct to your door
Discover the ultimate companion for field sports enthusiasts with Shooting Times & Country Magazine, the UK’s leading weekly publication that has been at the forefront of shooting culture since 1882. Subscribers gain access to expert tips, comprehensive gear reviews, seasonal advice and a vibrant community of like-minded shooters.
Save on shop price when you subscribe with weekly issues featuring in-depth articles on gundog training, exclusive member offers and access to the digital back issue library. A Shooting Times & Country subscription is more than a magazine, don’t just read about the countryside; immerse yourself in its most authoritative and engaging publication.