Holland & Holland is easily among the best gunmaking firms in the world, and many would argue they sit atop the already very select group. It is guns such as this one that have elevated them to this level of esteem, with the elegant lines, brilliant finishes, and outstanding engraving. Blued steel barrels with a single nickel bead front sight on the matted flat vent rib, "HOLLAND & HOLLAND, LONDON" mark on both sides of the lug, light floral engraving around the lugs and over the upper breech, 2011 dated London proofs on the flat, interchangeable choke tube system (.008/.015 installed), and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The brush bright sideplated action displays fantastic extensive floral scroll engraving over a matted background creating sharp contrast and extends to the triggerguard, upper tang, and toplever. The scroll also acts as the backdrop for a pair of bird scenes depicting a mallard in flight on the left side as well and a rooster pheasant in flight on the right side. The underside displays a scenes with a retriever holding a shot mallard in his mouth bordered by the scroll. Both sides of the action have a deep bolster which creates a highly attractive focal point for the eye and sits just above the "HOLLAND & HOLLAND" banners. This piece of artwork is signed on the triggerguard "GC" just to the right of the serial number. The gun features a single trigger which is removable as an entire unit as well as a tang mounted manual safety/selector switch with hand cut "S", "O/V/E/R", and "U/N/D/E/R" markings on the tang. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings including the push-button release. The stock is of even more aesthetically pleasing with rich tones, multi-point checkering wrapping over the wrist, gold inscription oval with the initials "E.A.W." in fine script, and a leather covered recoil pad. Included with the gun is a factory hard takedown case, leather choke pouch containing a trio of extra chokes (cylinder, ".015", and ".025"), and a second trigger assembly with matching serial number, nearly identical engraving, and engraver's signature on the underside in a different location from the other. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at 18.5mm (.728 inches) and both measured .733 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.031 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 1 7/8 inch drop at heel; 15 1/16 inch length of pull; weight 8 lbs. 4 oz.