The makers' records and research by Roger Lake, co-author of “Paradox: The Story of Colonel G.V. Fosbery, Holland & Holland and The Paradox Rifled Shot and Ball Gun” with David Baker, confirms that this gun was the eleventh out of a total of eighteen “Extra Best” quality “Paradox” guns built by Holland & Holland in the early 1900s. It appears the “Extra Best” finished guns were an experiment for Hollands prior to the introduction of the “Modele de Luxe”. At this time a standard “Royal” 12 bore “Paradox” would cost 65 Guineas, an “Extra Best” 70 Guineas and by 1904 the “Modele de Luxe” 80 Guineas. This particular gun was ordered on February 12, 1902, by C.H. Moseley, a civil servant who was Acting Governor of Lagos at the time of the order which included an instruction for the gun to be as light as possible. It was subsequently sold by Hollands as a second hand gun to a Mr. Levetus and shipped to India after some regulation work and sight adjustment by the factory. This gun is illustrated in the Baker & Lake “Paradox” book on p. 106. With blued rifle choked barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND. 98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON/“PARADOX” FOSBERY PATENT” towards the breeches, the breech ends each with an engraved band of stylized foliage. Concave rib with bead front sight and raised cross hatched matted quarter rib with rear sight of two folding leaves respectively graduated to “50” and “100” yards and each with platinum inlaid center line. Action signed “ROYAL HAMMERLESS EJECTOR” on the underside and automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Locks each signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”, with gold inlaid cocking indicators and blued pins. Blued trigger guard and checkered sprung front trigger. Fine “Extra Best” border and scroll engraving throughout. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with London black powder proof and nitro reproof marks. Well-figured 14 1/8 inch semi-pistol grip stock with checkered diamond grip, checkered forearm and checkered dark horn buttplate. The forearm with Anson push button release and the underside of the butt with large blank gold oval initial escutcheon. Proved at 12/12, measuring .739/.738, 2 1/2 inch chambers, minimum wall thickness 0.027/0.024. Weight 7 lbs. 5.7 oz. In original maker’s brass cornered oak and leather case with accessories, the lid with Holland & Holland gilt lettered leather trade label and instruction notices, with canvas and leather outer cover marked with "H.S.M.". Copies of correspondence and the makers records concerning this gun accompany this Lot.

The barrels retain nearly 100% reblued finish with slightly softened signatures and breech end engraving. Action and locks retaining 20% faded original casehardened finish and crisp engraving. Stock has been reoiled, crisp checkering and no visible handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and cover are fine and have moderate storage wear. The accessories are very good and have mild wear from use and age. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.