231027 Collection Digital Cover 1 - Flipbook - Page 94
HOLLAND & HOLLAND
“Its world-class instructors have pioneered
gun-fitting techniques from knowledge
passed down over the last 130 or so years,
making Holland & Holland’s art of shooting
akin to Roger Federer with a tennis racquet.”
Functional pieces of art: this is the best way to describe the bespoke
shotguns and rifles of Holland & Holland, founded in 1835 by tobacconist
and shooting competitor, Harris Holland, who, in the 1860s, brought
on board his nephew and gifted gunmaker, Henry Holland. The
manufacture is fabled as being one of the most innovative, and its
51 patents are still in use today, including the Rolls-Royce of shotgun
mechanics: the hand-detachable sidelock ejector.
Stemming from the sport and aristocratic pastime of driven game
shooting, its double rifles come in all calibres between .22 centrefire and
.700 Nitro Express, the largest available internationally to a non-military
individual, and handle everything from small deer on the continent to
hippos in Africa. Though it’s not just faultless function, but an heirloomesque artistry that keeps customers returning. Unlike an off-the-shelf
production shotgun or rifle, Holland & Holland tailors each detail to the
individual. The personalised journey begins with a consultation at one
of the business’ three gunrooms, then an invitation to the shooting
92
grounds – set over 120 acres – for a fitting by world-class instructors,
who have pioneered techniques from knowledge passed down over
the last 130 or so years, making Holland & Holland’s art of shooting
akin to Roger Federer with a tennis racquet.
These specifications go to the factory, which the customer also visits
to discuss engraving patterns – the longest time spent on engraving
has been 1,200 hours – and choose the grade quality of Circassian
walnut wood, as well as parts for their stock shape. Though engineering
excellence from modern technology is integrated, rifles are still built
using similar techniques from over 100 years ago, and around ten
people are needed to craft just one.
Most memorable milestones? The granting of a Royal Warrant in 1963
and 1995 (the first was from the King of Italy in 1883), and the release
of Holland & Holland’s first new gun in two decades, the ‘Noble’ Over
& Under, this year.
