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So what the hell is NP stand for ?

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That's a good question. That mark certainly was not applied by any proof house. My guess is that some bubba wanted to "upgrade" to the appearance of nitro proof to deceive the unaware.

You should get a reference work on proofmarks. I would suggest The Standard Directory of Proof Marks, by Gerhard Wirnsberger or British Gunmakers, Volume 1 - London by Nigel Brown. Brown's excellent discussion of British proof marks begins on page 260 of that volume.

Your rifle never has been submitted to nitro proof; neither when originally made, nor later.

If you are shooting any loads that resemble full nitro loads you are literally playing with dynamite. Your rifle is for black powder or black powder equivalent loads only. Sadly, you can argue the point until the cows come home, but it doesn't change your situation.

Curl

P.S. I'm very sorry to have to post this information. I know it goes against your genuine understanding of this rifle. Nevertheless, it is what it is.

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RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



Edited by CptCurl (25/02/18 12:06 AM)

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A black powder Holland & Holland double rifle is not a bad thing

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Not a bad thing, although there tends to be a difference in resale value between a black powder express rifle and a nitro express rifle of similar condition and maker.

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--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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The G137P stands for Grains 137 Powder. Which is about 5 drama

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The G137P stands for Grains 137 Powder. Which is about 5 drama

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Interesting, with 4 1/2 drams stamped on the side of the action.

The heavier 'gun' weight suggests likely heavier powder charge.

The twist rate should be measured, which will tell us approximate bullet weight. Perhaps it is twisted for 480gr. PP bullets, not the typical 270 to 340?(just a guess on those)

It could be this rifle was made for heavier bullets than the typical .450EX., thus the 137gr. stamped on the barrels.

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It is certainly an enigma as to the “non conforming” markings on the barrel flats, those simply do not match any accepted marks from the major proof houses.
Likely the only way to close in on more of an answer would be contacting Holland & Holland, not that difficult to do if one has the interest.

As mentioned earlier by “470evans” the serial number puts the build date at 1892-93
- Mike

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A black powder Holland & Holland double rifle is not a bad thing

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Not a bad thing, although there tends to be a difference in resale value between a black powder express rifle and a nitro express rifle of similar condition and maker.

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Which is fine by me!
The argument that limited hunting opportunities is the reason for the depressed big bore nitro gun market should in turn bolster the market for the BPE rifles as they are well suited to hunting anything other than the big five. (the issue of handloading aside, of course)
Hasn't happened that way though so high quality BPE rifles are IMO the best deals going in the gun market right now.

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He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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The G137P stands for Grains 137 Powder. Which is about 5 drama

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Interesting, with 4 1/2 drams stamped on the side of the action.
It could be this rifle was made for heavier bullets than the typical .450EX., thus the 137gr. stamped on the barrels.

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This maker seems to keep good records.
I'd ask for them to have a look at the archive.

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--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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If you have any vintage media on this, I'd like to see it.
:-)

My Tolley is marked for a 5-1/2 Dram load with a 3-1/2 case.
The Holland and Holland is set up for the 3-1/4" case - but I'd very much like to see any advertising or specification media on the numbers you show here.

Thanks!



Cheers
Tinker

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