Make: Holland & Holland

Model: Back action Hammer Double Gun

Serial Number: 8043

Year of Manufacture: 1884 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 5/8"

Action Type: Side by side, back action, double trigger shotgun with extractors

Barrel Length: 30"

Choke: Right barrel measures cylinder, the left measures improved modified

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a metal bead fixed to the barrel.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is two-piece checkered walnut, with splinter forend, straight wrist, straight comb, and smooth metal buttplate. The LOP measures 13.125" from the back trigger and 14" from the front trigger. The stocks show moderate wear with pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The left side of the buttstock is marked "A. Pursey". Overall, the furniture rates in Very Good condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Damascus and case colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are grey. There is scattered oxidation and pitting in the bores. There is a visible ding inside the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 6/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about none of its original metal finish as it has worn off or turned to patina. This shotgun weighs about 6 pounds 4 ounces. The metal shows scattered scuffs and scratches. Most notable is a ding on the left side of the left barrel. The ding is visible inside the bore. The screw heads show light to moderate tooling and retain turnable slots. Many of the markings/engravings are legible and complete. The lettering on the rib has been almost completely obliterated. Overall, this shotgun rates in Good-plus condition as antique.

Mechanics: The forend is a little loose and the right firing pin sticks. The action otherwise functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Cleaning rod and an initialed nonoriginal brown Holland & Holland case that dates to circa 1911-1936.

Our Assessment: This 1884 Holland & Holland back action hammer gun, serial number 8043, stands squarely in the golden age of London gunmaking. Built with damascus barrels and external hammers, this side by side reflects the height of late Victorian sporting craftsmanship, when British makers were refining the hammer gun to its most elegant and mechanically mature form just before the widespread adoption of hammerless designs. The back action lockwork, double triggers, and flowing damascus pattern speak to a period when game shooting was as much ceremony as sport.

Both barrels are chambered for 12 gauge, the right barrel measures cylinder bore, while the left measures improved modified, offering a versatile pairing suitable for traditional upland and driven shooting scenarios. The bores rate 6 out of 10, showing heavy wear typical of guns from this era. Approximately none of the original blue or case color finish remains, leaving a patina consistent with a well-traveled 19th century sporting arm. The forend is slightly loose and the right firing pin sticks, though the action otherwise functions correctly.

Accompanying the shotgun is a nonoriginal brown Holland & Holland case dating circa 1911 to 1936, adding semi-period-correct presentation and practical storage. As an 1884 Holland & Holland damascus back action hammer gun, this piece embodies the transitional era of British sporting arms, when craftsmanship, balance, and mechanical refinement defined the London trade.