Holland & Holland - The Shooting Field - Volume 16

THE

S HOOTING F IELD VOLUME 16

Artwork by Marcello Pettineo, available exclusively at Holland & Holland

N EW Y ORK +1 212 752 7755

The ‘royal’ gunmaker L ONDON +44

(0) 20 7499 4411

www.hollandandholland.com

M OSCOW +7 495 937 4553

THE

S HOOTING FIELD VOLUME 16

C ONTENTS It has been some time since we published the last edition of ‘The Shooting Field’ and it is with great pleasure that I introduce Volume 16, one of the biggest we have ever created.

There was little debate when it came to choosing the cover image for this volume, there was only going to be one winning subject, the .375H&H Magnum. This year we celebrate the centenary of this famous calibre and have marked the occasion in true Holland & Holland tradition by building a commemorative set of twenty-five rifles. One of which you can see on the front cover and inside you can find out more about the set of rifles and the importance of this centenary.

This year is just as important for Holland & Holland as it is for London. Her Majesty the Queen celebrating her Diamond Jubilee is a remarkable achievement and one that the ‘Royal’ Gun Maker is proud to celebrate. We are also lucky to welcome the world’s finest athletes to our great city to compete in the London 2012 Olympics.

I must take this opportunity to thank some of the contributors that have written articles for this edition. First of all, to Mike Barnes, an experienced magazine editor who certainly knows a thing or two about shooting. Also to Nick Foulkes who has written a piece about our clothing and accessories collection, and finally to David Winks for letting us share one of his many interesting stories with our readers.

Since the last issue we have given our website a revamp, which we hope our customers use and enjoy. Here you can explore our famous guns, browse our clothing and accessories range and read our quarterly newsletter to keep you regularly updated. Meanwhile, Holland & Holland continue to attend events worldwide and we look forward to seeing you on our travels or at one of our showrooms in London, New York or Moscow.

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news from holland & holland ................................................................... 4 the .375 centenary ................................................................................................... 8 gunRoom sales ........................................................................................................ 10 people & places ........................................................................................................ 12 clothing & accessories .................................................................................... 18 the shooting grounds ..................................................................................... 22 the gunroom ............................................................................................................ 28 around the world with holland & Holland ............................... 32 art & sculpture ...................................................................................................... 34 CONTACT DETAILS LONDON GUNROOM +44 (0) 20 7499 4411 gunroomuk@hollandandholland.com

SHOOTING GROUNDS +44 (0) 1923 825 349 shooting.grounds@hollandandholland.com

NEW YORK GUNROOM +1 212 752 7755 gunroomny@hollandandholland.com

MOSCOW GUNROOM +7 495 937 4553

Website: www.hollandandholland.com

Daryl Greatrex, Managing Director www.hollandandholland.com

Volume 16 published July 2012. Copyright Holland & Holland Limited. Registered office 33 Bruton Street, London W1J 6HH. Registered in England No. 661140. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 4411. Reprinting in whole or in part any matter appearing in The Shooting Field is forbidden except by express permission of the publisher. Cover image: .375 Centenary Rifle. Photograph by Jonathan Green.

Cover design by Jonti Woodland. Compiled by Shan Davies. Design by Tom Fleetwood.

volume 16 • the shooting field 3

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

NEWS

M alcolm l yell 1922 - 2011

“Doyen of the London Gun Trade” In The Daily Telegraph’s tribute to Malcolm Lyell, February 2011, he was described as being the “Doyen of the London gun trade”. Lyell’s clients included kings and princes, maharajas, presidents and prime ministers from a dozen different countries, Hollywood film stars, hunters, sportsmen and trophy hunters around the world. At his memorial service in Wiltshire, this was very apparent as people had travelled from far and wide to pay their respects to him.

Malcolm Lyell’s career in the gun trade began in 1947 when, aged 25, he was hired as manager of the London showrooms for the gunsmiths Westley Richard, in Conduit Street. At the time, knowing nothing of gun-making, he was sent on a three-month course to the firm’s Birmingham factory.

In the 1950s the future of the London gun trade seemed uncertain and Malcolm realised that he could best develop the business by buying and reselling second-hand guns and double rifles, particularly from India. This resulted in the purchase of the most extensive collection of firearms, that of the Nizam of Hyderabad. With David Winks as valuer, and in 105 ° Fahrenheit, they collated over 2,000 firearms. “He had a go at everything related to guns, he was tireless, he was the driver” said David, “even if at times he did not necessarily know where he was going!”

Again during this time Malcolm travelled to Iran and to Afghanistan with his wife, Rosamunde to hunt markhor as the guests of Prince Abdul Azim Mahmoud Ghazi. Prince Asserate Kassa of Ethiopia invited him to shoot ibex in the Simien mountains and later in the Red Sea Hills. He travelled to the royal game reserves of Indore and Bikaner and in the Terai following a meeting with King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Malcolm visited Bhutan in the 1970s.

4 the shooting field • volume 16

In 1958 Colonel Jack Holland died, and the Holland family approached Malcolm with the idea of amalgamation. He became Managing Director and moved the company from Bond Street to new premises in Bruton Street.

He tackled the essential areas necessary to make the company pre-eminent in the gun trade. He visited many European gun makers to bring the Harrow Road factory up to date and set up an apprentice scheme. He employed one of the greatest shooting instructors in the world, Norman Clarke and developed the loss-making shooting school at Northwood as a venue for corporate entertainment.

Malcolm knew how to form and manage a team, inspire hard work, and loyalty. In these he led by example, and his strengths came to the fore. He showed an interest in everyone – old or young and from whatever walk of life. He was fun to be with, enthusiastic and people enjoyed spending time with him, listening to his stories. He had the character and personality to widen and enhance the reputation of the British Gun Trade for which he was its great ambassador.

This was evident in the 1960s when, accompanied by his wife and Norman Clarke, he went to America and organised mini Holland & Holland shooting schools at chosen country or gun clubs. America was a stage that suited him. His English style, gregariousness and his anecdotes meant he made more and more friends. In turn they visited Bruton Street and it would be no surprise that if one was invited to dinner one might be sitting next to Jimmy Stewart or Stewart Grainger.

Malcolm had a fertile imagination, and on Christmas Eve 1965 he came up with the idea of pushing the limits of quality and craftsmanship beyond what Holland & Holland was already achieving and created “The 1968 Set of Five” – comprising one of each popular bore size. This was the birth of Holland & Holland’s “Products of Excellence” These ‘Products of Excellence’ included The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Set and the African Hunters Series. These, along with being awarded The Royal Warrant from The Duke of Edinburgh for rifle-making in 1963 and receiving the Queen’s Award for exports in 1969 were among Malcolm’s proudest achievements.

The Gunroom was Malcolm’s home stage and the Shooting Grounds became his sanctuary. Over the years hundreds of daffodils were planted by Malcolm and his wife, along with various species of trees and shrubs. Today it remains one of the most attractive shooting grounds in the world.

After 25 years of service at Holland & Holland, Malcolm was appointed Deputy Chairman in 1985. He retired 3 years later. His impact on the company and the British gun trade will always live on. SD

One of Malcolm’s finest achievements: Gun no. 1 from The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Set

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NEWS

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

the 1968 set of Five

More than 40 years have passed since Holland & Holland built the revered “1968 Set of Five” shotguns, our very first ‘Product of Excellence’ and the first truly scaled set of guns we had ever created. We were understandably excited when the opportunity arose for us to be involved in the resale of this landmark set.

Since the sale of the set in 1968 the guns have always been in the same family. When Holland & Holland’s Guy Davies travelled to pick them up he can recall being impressed by the sight. “Upon entering the house the guns stood in the original Brazilian rosewood cabinet in the lounge area of the home, it was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing them.” The guns and cabinet were then taken to the New York showroom where a great number of people came to marvel at the spectacle.

A set as special as this was never going to be around for too

long and the guns were soon out of the showroom and on their way to Texas. The “1968 Set of Five” was sold to the American collector, Mr Charles Grichar.

Mr Grichar took delivery of his new set of guns and the exchange was sealed in celebratory fashion when Guy Davies handed the key to the beautifully made gun cabinet, over to its new owner.

Guy’s friendship with Mr Grichar remains to this day and he visits the guns on a regular basis.

The driving force behind the “1968 Set of Five” was the late Malcolm Lyell. Before he passed away, Mr Grichar received a letter from Malcolm which touched upon his fond memories of commissioning this ‘Product of Excellence’.

The set comprises a 12, 16, 20, 28 and a .410 bore side-by-side shotgun. Each gun is engraved with ‘Royal’ scroll and inlaid with a gold game bird on the underside of the action.

New York Gunroom Manager, Guy Davies presenting the key to the ‘1968 Set of Five’ to the proud new owner, Mr Charles Grichar

The roadway connecting the Shooting Grounds to the main road has been dedicated to the late Malcolm Lyell who sadly passed away in 2011. Malcolm spent a great deal of time at the Shooting Grounds and as a mark of respect the roadway has been suitably named, Lyell Drive.

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Holland & Holland apprentice gun maker, Matt White (front left), joined the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers on parade at the Lord Mayor’s Show.

Photograph by Derek Stimpson

king of the action

Over the last 50 years, hundreds, perhaps thousands of the guns and rifles made at the Holland & Holland factory have been skilfully worked on by veteran gun maker, Alan King. He came to work at the factory straight from school aged 15, after his father arranged an interview with the factory manager, Mr Geoffrey Brooks. After only one week’s work Alan wanted to leave the factory, but he persevered and half a century later goes down in our history books as one of Holland & Holland’s longest serving gunsmiths.

It was 18-months before Alan worked on his first Holland & Holland, a bolt action rifle. His first duties lay in single rifles, including barrel tubes and action bodies. He went on to spend the next 25-30 years concentrating solely on action bodies. Alan said, “I enjoyed just picking up a lump of steel, crafting and creating all the shapes and then just seeing the end result, I just couldn’t believe it.” Alan was always a perfectionist, “In my opinion, I never made the perfect action body, although I came close.”

Alan departs the factory with

Alan King before his retirement from the Harrow Road factory

almost half a century’s memories, some too mischievous to retell right now. Some of his proudest achievements are his involvement with the .600 double rifles and of course Holland & Holland’s famous .700 double rifle. He is happy to leave safe in the knowledge that the Machine Shop - which he supervised - was treated with the respect he always believed it deserved.

As an avid Manchester United fan and Old Trafford season ticket holder, keen fisherman, steam engine enthusiast and most importantly grandfather, Alan will have plenty to keep him occupied in retirement. We can only express sincere gratitude for his hard work and commitment through a remarkable career at Holland & Holland and wish him all the best for the future.

For news and updates from Holland & Holland please visit the news and events page on the website

volume 16 • the shooting field 5

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

NEWS

a decade of gun engraving Of the fifty gunmakers currently working at the Holland & Holland factory, gun engraver Kirsty Swan is the only craftswoman. She joined the company aged 19 straight from college and admits that when she first walked into a factory full of men it was a little daunting. Not one to be perturbed by her male surroundings, last year Kirsty reached the 10-year mark of her Holland & Holland career.

Kirsty joined the Harrow Road factory after training as a jewellery maker at a local college.

She admits that her aim was to work with silvers and had never considered the possibility of engraving guns. It was through a college project that Kirsty took It seems no sooner had we made our farewells and wished John well for a long retirement than we were to learn that this was not to be. John died suddenly only two years after leaving Hollands, a shocking, cruel and unjust reward in return for a long and successful career.

At the time of his retirement it had been my pleasure to write a few words about John, and having served close to similar years of service, it had been my privilege to do so. Of course I made sure to stress that John was a true character, one who was always likely to be as unpredictable in his actions as in his words and there were very few of us, if any, who had not fallen for either an elaborate hoax or clever prank, or just plain simple trickery.

However it is tempting to overplay this side of his character as to do so would deny him the accolade that his work as a gunmaker deserved. John, just as many other 16-year olds that went before him, started at the bench with menial tasks when often the skill of a mature instructor

the opportunity to explore the factory and find out more about Holland & Holland. This visit was enough to convince her to try it out for herself and shortly after Kirsty was taken on as a trainee engraver.

Before working on guns and rifles, trainee engravers at Holland & Holland must start engraving on a heavy steel block for practise. She said, “You are told to engrave a few lines, and then add circles. Then you turn that into scroll work and build up from there.” After a year of hard work, practice and patience, Kirsty was given her first gun to engrave, an over-and-under.

Kirsty is not adverse to the spotlight after she was included

in Holland & Holland’s complete history book and featured in the gunmaking documentary, ‘A Look Inside Holland & Holland’. A pair of guns engraved by Kirsty with game scenes also featured in the ‘Best of British Engraving Book’. Kirsty believes these are her finest work to date.

Over her ten years at the factory, Kirsty has coped perfectly fine with her male co-workers and does not mind being the only female. She said, “They don’t treat me like one of the lads and they even hold the door open for me.”

Her advice for other women is ‘not to be too quiet and to bite back otherwise they’ll walk all over you!’

john bakall 1945 - 2009

was not passed on willingly.

Junior apprentices had to learn much by observation only to be rebuffed by asking a question or criticised if the set task fell a fraction short of perfection.

One had to be very determined or blessed with good skills. John

6 the shooting field • volume 16

passed on both counts.

It is difficult to recall the moment when John’s skills as a worker of wood became obvious to all but he was soon surpassing his contemporaries, and even his masters, as numerous battered stocks looked as new after only

Kirsty skilfully at work in the engraving workshop

a few hours of his magic touch.

Cracked, smashed, dented or worn quite smooth, John had the answer amongst his alchemist’s brew of stains, polish and oils.

These skills were duly noted and resulted in John taking over as the Repair shop supervisor, a position he made his own for 20-years.

A common task which called for the full range of skills is that of increasing the length of a gun’s stock to suit a new owner.

This task starts with a search for a matching off-cut of walnut with similar colour, figure and grain. Carefully positioned to effect the best match of figure and firmly secured in place, it is shaped, sanded, and finally oiled and polished; a true tourde-force of craftsmanship. It also provides a most excellent opportunity to conceal a brief message, joke or risqué photo.

There must be hundreds out there: just imagine the reaction when finally discovered. The resulting smile that is bound to follow will ensure that John will always have the last laugh. RW www.hollandandholland.com

NEWS

philippe grifnée 1953 - 2012

Even the briefest glance through Philippe’s portfolio showed he was already a most accomplished engraver by the time he made himself known to Holland & Holland. However what his portfolio did not convey was his modest and easy-going attitude and a rapport that would last for over 25-years.

With Philippe everything seemed possible, including new challenges of style. He had cut his teeth as an engraver at FN/ Browning then moving on for periods working in the USA and instructing at the gun making college in Liege. His work looked a little different, perhaps even a little too bold for some tastes, but clearly he had all the skills and he was ready for new and perhaps wider challenges.

From the very first Holland & Holland commission it was obvious that he had as much to show us as we might seek from him. Whatever the challenge his answer was never a vague ‘perhaps’ but always an honest assessment, yes or no, complete with a firm quote and a prompt delivery. This is not always the case with artisans! Hollands were delighted and Philippe seemed equally pleased to enter into a stable commercial commitment.

His techniques were numerous, some obviously influenced by the amazingly rapid chiselling so suited to the FN production line where tales relate to Philippe being capable of double the piecework output than even the best of the rest.

Initially there had been a few raised eyebrows about a ‘foreigner’, Belgian to boot, being engaged to engrave a Best London gun. However this ignorant attitude faded rapidly when Philippe’s work was studied with open eyes. How did he do it and so quickly too? Well part of the answer was a week of six 12-hour days; the rest was down to pure ability. Hollands soon began to conceive increasingly elaborate and demanding compositions, each setting new benchmarks of craftsmanship and artistry. Philippe responded with enthusiasm and suggestions for even more elaborate designs, his bold and aggressive style

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

Philippe’s most recognised work on the Holland & Holland .700 double rifle

proving to be well suited to depicting dragons and gargoyles with golden eyes and fangs.

Whereas much of Philippe’s earlier work for H&H went largely unnoticed it was only a matter of time before examples of his work began to circulate at gun shows and exhibitions that his name began to spread.

Deservedly he rapidly became a recognised name and joined the elite group working on collectables and special commissions and just like his new contemporaries his personal order book rapidly extended well beyond five-years. Philippe was prolific and grand volumes of the many examples of his work will surely follow.

It is a thankless task to be asked to pick favourites but perhaps one may be found when Hollands produced a set of four shotguns in 1990 depicting many of the personalities and scenes of the American Civil War. A portrait chiselled in semi relief on the base of one gun depicting the seated figure of Abraham Lincoln in the memorial in Washington is truly outstanding.

Equally dramatic and perhaps his most recognised style of work is

best seen adorning the impressive .700 ‘Royal’ double rifle that travels the world as the striking centrepiece of the Holland & Holland collection.

It always comes as a terrible shock when a friend is suddenly wrenched away as there has been no opportunity to anticipate a death and to find the appropriate words. Sadly this will not change; the moment has gone, but without any doubt there exists the most exquisite proof that will ensure that the name of Philippe Grifnée will never be forgotten. RW

A semi-relief portrait of Abraham Lincoln from a set of four shotguns engraved

by Philippe depicting scenes from the American Civil War.

hunting & shooting books at holland & holland 1. How to be Asked Again, by Rosie Nickerson, £20.00 2. The Great Shoots, by Brian O’Martin, £25.00 3. The Shoot Lunch, by J.C. Jeremy Hobson, £20.00

On the bookshelves of the London Gunroom a range of the latest hunting and shooting releases are on offer. The ever increasing collection includes books covering all aspects of game shooting, African hunting, rifle shooting and historical books on the British Gun Trade. For more www.hollandandholland.com

information please contact the Gun Room or visit the website to view more of the collection.

Email: gunroomuk@hollandandholland.com Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 4411

volume 16 • the shooting field 7

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

.375 CENTENARY

c entenary of the .375H&H m agnum 1912-2012 to mark the one-hundred year anniversary of this famous cartridge, holland & holland have built a series of twenty-five rifles words by russell wilkin

T

he calibre of ‘375’ is an enduring favourite amongst hunters, with Holland & Holland assisting its early popularity by introducing the ‘375 Cordite Express’ in 1899. This cartridge made good use of the new ‘Cordite’ smokeless propellants with a marked uplift in performance and hastening the end of the corrosive and messy ‘black-powder’.

So what is it that sets this cartridge in a class of its own? By 1912 improvements to magazine and traditional double-rifles enabled them to cope with higher breech pressures making it possible to propel a 300 grain bullet at 2550 f.p.s. The laws of physics dictate that the kinetic energy of a given bullet rises by the square of any increase in velocity, meaning the Magnum’s extra bullet speed produced a huge increase of energy to 4,200 ft.lbs.

This order of performance was a huge leap as it made for a rifle that would shoot ‘flat’ for plains game and yet have sufficient wallop and penetration to tackle dangerous quarry 8 the shooting field • volume 16

species be they bovine, carnivore or even pachyderm. Not surprisingly the .375 Magnum caused a sensation and was quickly joined by the slightly de-tuned flanged version for the ‘Royal’ double-barrel rifles. Stories and letters of praise reached us from Africa, India and far beyond. Even hard-nosed professional hunters joined in with their praise and endorsements.

Henry Holland could only have dreamt of such success.

“One can only begin to guess at the millions of cartridges fired by countless thousands of rifles all bearing the name H&H”

Today, one hundred years after its launch, one can only begin to guess at the millions of cartridges fired by countless thousands of rifles all bearing the name H&H, albeit only to identify the cartridge!

Another telling reason for its popularity was that from the beginning the .375 Magnum had been designed for the efficient smokeless propellants that did not make demands for a large case capacity. The result was a relatively slim profile enabling four rounds to be loaded in a standard magazine whereas the .416 Rigby, an excellent but rather bulky round, needed a long action and a fatter cartridgecase capacity with a consequential reduction in the magazine capacity.

However a slightly modified M98 Mauser worked well for a .375H&H. Many gunsmiths discovered that a simple change of barrel and a modified magazine box converted a militarysurplus rifle to one fit for almost anything and meaning that anybody could find an affordable big-game rifle to suit his pocket. This proved www.hollandandholland.com

.375 CENTENARY

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

The centenary rifles

F

or many years Holland & Holland have marked important landmarks in the Company’s history by building Commemorative sets of shotguns and rifles. There cannot be any doubt that the centenary of the .375 H&H Magnum in 2012 is such a landmark. Holland & Holland are immensely proud of the .375’s reputation and have therefore embarked on the production of a set of twenty-five rifles to commemorate this important centenary. We believe that no other cartridge stands above the .375H&H in the minds of amateur and professional hunters, ensuring that the .375 will continue to justify the highest reputation for generations to come.

The twenty-five inscribed and numbered rifles are made to a classic configuration with three levels of features and traditional embellishment.

The Mauser type actions are fitted with a 4-cartridge magazine and triggerguard assembly with a scalloped bolt handle to provide clearance for a low mounted telescope sight. The Holland & Holland ‘takedown’ design allows the barrel and action assembly to be detached from the stock by releasing one simple coin-slot screw.

The 3-position wing safety – 1. Lever (as shown) is drawn fully back locking the trigger and bolt. 2. Lever in mid-position, still ‘on safe’ but free to cycle the bolt and 3. Lever pushed fully forward ready to fire. Note the H&H Q/D telescope base mounts do not interfere with the open sights.

to be a telling factor and was probably instrumental in many African territories stipulating the .375H&H as the minimum cartridge permitted for hunting their biggest game.

The .375 Magnum was also to benefit from the many improvements in bullet design that almost guaranteed superior performance on game. Although it is a fact often overlooked it is only the bullet that actually does the work.

The new generation of 235, 270 and 300 grain bullets could tackle any task, with the outstanding penetration of the 300 grain ‘solid’ requiring caution to avoid wounding other beasts concealed behind the intended quarry.

Even two buffalo falling to one careless shot is not unheard of.

Although the .375H&H Magnum is clearly a ‘high performance’ cartridge the chamber pressure is not remarkable. This is a significant

benefit in hot climates. Well-balanced internal and external ballistics, consistent head-spacing, fool proof feed and smooth chambering married to a well proportioned and elegant stock of modest weight, result in a rifle that is both comfortable to carry and to use. Lastly, for those moments of greatest need, a plain and simple bolt that can be swiftly grasped and cycled to extract, eject and make ready to H fire… What more is there?

A full length shot of a .375 Centenary Rifle with Swarovski Telescopic Sight attached. Photographs by Jonathan Green

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volume 16 • the shooting field 9

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

GUNROOM SALES

t hose ‘f requently a sked q uestions ’ London gunroom sales manager, andrew ambrose tackles the facts and figures behind gun and rifle sales at holland & holland

D

uring my time in the Gunroom, I have been asked a variety of questions with some cropping up more than others (but almost all that should be put into a book one day). However, it was these ‘frequently asked questions’ that were of particular interest to me. Of course, the questions I am referring to are: What do Holland & Holland sell more of, side-by-sides or over-and-unders? What is the most popular calibre? Do we sell more rifles than shotguns?

And do we sell more ‘off the shelf ’ or are people happy to wait for a gun to be made?

But not the classic question ‘why are they so expensive?’ Although these are commonly asked questions they do help us to answer the big question; who is our client today and how have they changed from the past?

When answering these questions, I usually base my response on experience and knowledge but it led me to look at the actual statistics from the past ten years to try and accurately establish

10 the shooting field • volume 16

a truer picture. I am now in my tenth year of working in the Gunroom and my 15th year of working for Holland & Holland, so given these anniversaries I had much more than just a passing interest in the answer.

43% Over Side by Side

and Under

57%

Shotgun Sales: Over-and-Under vs Side-by-Side

When we look at the past ten years sales, the immediate trend that jumps out of the page is the complete lack of trend. We work with small numbers in all aspects of the business and so caution must be taken when analysing the figures and identifying possible trends. However, if we tread carefully with

the statistics we do start to see an emerging picture of change.

All of the figures quoted here are based on an analysis of gun and rifle sales at Holland & Holland between 2002 and 2011 (10 years).

Looking at our first question; the average split between over-and-under and side-by-side shotgun sales is 57% and 43% respectively.

We can see a pattern emerge here where the drop in the share of sales of side-by-side guns has been copied almost mirror image in increased sales in over-and-under shotguns.

I am sure the above figures will surprise some given the very traditional nature of Holland & Holland and indeed much debate has taken place on this subject over the years. However, from our perspective one of the main reasons for this change is simple. Many people who have joined the sport in the last twenty years have done so by purchasing a lower priced and durable over-and-under shotgun. So when making the decision to upgrade their shotgun www.hollandandholland.com

GUNROOM SALES

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

The increasingly popular 20-bore over-and-under shotgun almost sells as well as the 12-bore

The .375 Holland & Holland Centenary Rifle: Even after 100 years the .375 remains the most popular choice of calibre for Holland & Holland bolt action rifles

A 12-bore ‘Royal’ Side-by-Side Shotgun which accounts for half of all side-by-sides sold by Holland & Holland

we find that in most cases the client chooses to stay with an over-and-under.

When we then look in greater detail at our shotgun sales we find that exactly 50% of our sales have been 12-bore, with 35% on 20-bore and the remaining 15% is split approximately equally between 16-bore, 28-bore and .410‑bore. Although this overall breakdown of sales share is mirrored within the side-by-side sales, the same cannot be said of over-and-under guns. Here we find 12-bore sales represent 43% with 20-bore sales making up 42% of the total sales share and the remaining 15% split between 16, 28 and .410.

Overall we can draw from the sales figures that within the last ten years there does appear to have been a shift away from 12-bores towards the other calibres. As highlighted above, we have seen this much more sharply within the over-and-under sales becoming much more equally distributed between 12 and 20-bore.

Turning our attention to the most popular rifle calibres, the world famous .375H&H still remains the most popular calibre in our bolt action rifles (33% of sales). This is made even more impressive when one considers all the new calibres that have been developed over the years and yet 2012 marks the 100 year anniversary of the introduction of the .375H&H. Interestingly, when we turn our attention to our double rifles we find that the www.hollandandholland.com

most popular calibre at Holland & Holland is the .500/3” (24%) which has overtaken the .375 (20%) in the past five years as our biggest seller.

Overall we find that the split in sales between our rifle and shotgun sales is 35% and 65% respectively. Once again this does show the changing nature of our company when one considers that Holland & Holland became world famous originally as a rifle maker.

35% Rifles

65%

Shotguns Sales of shotguns vs sales of rifles

The other fundamental change that we have seen over the last 10-20 years is the change in our client’s buying habits. If one had walked into the Holland & Holland Gunroom thirty years ago they would have found very few guns available to purchase immediately ‘off the shelf ’. However, given a changing economy and changing client behaviour to match, we have had to react to these changes. We now sell 56% of our shotguns and rifles ‘off the

shelf ’ with 44% of clients placing orders with our factory.

The figure for the number of clients placing factory orders is further distorted when you consider that we now have large multiple orders being placed by single clients. For example, we are currently in the process of building a ‘set of five’ for one client and a ‘set of eight’ for another, which are on the backs of a recently finished ‘set of eight’ and a ‘set of ten’. If one takes into consideration that it was as recently as 1968 when we built our first ‘set’ of guns then this does clearly illustrate quite a production and buyer-behaviour change.

So what does this all tell us? As mentioned from the outset, a certain degree of caution must be taken when analysing statistics that are based on small numbers. However, we can see that despite the very traditional nature of our business and the fact that our methods of building guns and rifles has not changed for over 175-years, our clients have changed.

Not only do we have a far greater variation of client today but their individual buying habits have also fundamentally changed. Even with all of these changes and the adapting we have had to make, Holland & Holland faces the 21st century with the same spirit of innovation and creativity as Henry Holland faced when he led the company forward into H the 20th century. volume 16 • the shooting field 11

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

PEOPLE & PLACES

k eeping it in the f amily

the hollands - hARRIS, hENRY & Jack Since 1856, when harris holland employed his nephew henry, there has been a strong family ethos within the company. sadly the last holland in charge of the company, col. Jack holland died in 1957. However, to this day working at holland & holland is a family affair

The banks

The Banks - Brothers Neil and Steve have been working at the factory for a combined total of almost 50 years and both joined straight from school. Although they work in the Action shop, they have different areas of expertise when it comes to crafting action bodies.

Neil works on the external shapes whilst Steve’s expertise lies in the inner workings and mechanics of the action. For ten years they worked in the same department on the same guns. Neil is the oldest of the pair and now works on Holland & Holland action bodies from his home on the South Coast. Neil started his apprenticeship two years before Steve and he imparted his enthusiasm for the job onto his younger brother who was inspired to join too. Steve said: “People come here and realise what a great place to work it is, then the people they know do the same.” The Banks have always had a strong bond and working together only served to strengthen it.

As the younger brother, Steve would often try and wind up Neil about his work, although he admitted, “Neil’s work was always very good and crisp so I couldn’t wind him up too much.”

12 the shooting field • volume 16

the dennys

The Dennys - Unknowingly, Steve and Sonia joined Holland & Holland on the exact same day in April 1999 and married in 2004. They started at different locations, with Steve at the Shooting Grounds and Sonia at Bruton Street. In 2000 a relationship began and 3 years later Sonia successfully applied to an opening at the Shooting Grounds. Sonia recalls, “I was a bit apprehensive about the thought of us working together and how that might impact on our relationship but it all worked out fine.” Steve is the Director of Operations and Sonia works closely with him as an administrator. To avoid the confusion of two S. Denny’s, Sonia uses her maiden name Herrero at work. They always maintain a professional relationship and they feel they make a great team. Sonia explains, “The key is keeping home life and work life separate, which can be tricky at times, especially when we’ve both had a bad day in the office.

I can hardly go home and let off steam about my boss!” In 2010, Steve’s daughter Charlotte started working Saturdays at the Shooting Grounds, making her the third Denny to join Holland & Holland. Unfortunately Charlotte’s role is coming to an end as she will soon be heading off to University. www.hollandandholland.com

PEOPLE & PLACES

The Faraways - Brothers Paul (right) and Sam (left) are craftsmen at the Harrow Road factory. Paul was keen to become a craftsman and when he finished school he started work at Holland & Holland. Over his 30 or so years at the factory, Paul has been a familiar face and he is now the Assistant Manager. Sam, ten years Paul’s junior, joined Holland & Holland at the age of 22. After a few years working with ceramics, Sam decided he wanted a change of career path and followed his older brother to the factory. When Sam first started work at Holland & Holland he was put in the Action shop and set to work with his older brother Paul. Although Paul was Sam’s senior, they were both happy working together. The brothers were not together for long and within two years Sam had started training to become an engraver. He soon flourished and currently works as a top class gun engraver for Holland & Holland.

The Bakalls - There is little doubt the late John Bakall will never be forgotten at the factory, most importantly by his son Ian, who followed directly in his father’s footsteps and joined the factory after finishing school. As far back as Ian can remember, gun making and Holland & Holland were integral to his father’s life. Ian has fond memories of working with his dad and enjoyed having the opportunity to see him most days. Although sometimes it was a little awkward, “In the pub with the lads, Dad would get louder and louder, and as he did he became cruder. As soon as he realised I was there and had heard everything he would be very embarrassed.” John was very enthusiastic about guns and was a keen shot. Ian said, “When I was growing up, it wasn’t unusual to open the cupboard door and find some sort of animal hanging up.” Ian was looking for a practical job and wanted to work with wood. His father’s passion inspired him to consider Holland & Holland to work as a ‘Stocker’. Ian has worked in the factory for close to 25 years and now his own son is starting to show an interest in gunmaking. Perhaps the Bakall name will remain a part of Holland & Holland for even more generations to come.

The burmans

the bignells

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HOLLAND & HOLLAND

the faraways

the bakalls Taken at John Bakall’s retirement party from left to right: Ian’s Uncle Tom, Ian, Father John, Brother Gary and Nephew Alex

The Burmans - There is a two year age gap between brothers and best friends Clive (right) and Dean (left). They both started work at the factory in 2007. Clive joined a few months before his brother and he was keen to encourage Dean to join him at the factory. The pair had worked for the same company in their previous jobs so were used to working together. At present, Clive is approaching the end of an apprenticeship as an ‘Actioner’ and Dean works in the Machine shop as a ‘Tube Maker’. It seems that working with your brother does have its perks and with his experience as a tool maker Dean is able to modify tools for his older brother to ensure he gets the best use from them.

Engineering runs in the Burman family and their Dad inspired them both to get into the engineering trade. They live 10-miles apart in West London and although they love working together, they both said the best thing was being able to share a lift into work every day.

The Bignells - Steve (right) works on the reception at the factory and is the second Bignell to be employed at Holland & Holland. His father, Derek worked in the Machine shop for the last 10 years of his engineering career before retiring in 2005. Steve can recall his father speaking passionately about how interesting life at the factory was and heard a lot about his father’s trade. These were a few of the reasons Steve himself decided to apply for a job at the factory in 2008. The Bignell’s never worked at the factory at the same time, however Steve H insists he would have enjoyed it if they had. volume 16 • the shooting field 13

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

PEOPLE & PLACES

Thanks for the Memories

Fieldsports Editor, Mike Barnes reflects on his fondest memories from a lifetime of glorious shooting

14 the shooting field • volume 16

I

am often asked to name my favourite shoot. Having been editing shooting magazines for well over 30 years I find myself in the hitherto unlikely position of being a voice of experience, which loosely translated means I have officially become long in the tooth. Nevertheless, during that time it is true that I have visited a lot of shoots of all shapes and sizes, some good, some indifferent, but it is largely accurate to say that a poor day’s shooting is a rare occurrence, certainly if you keep the right company and sustain the same craving to hunt.

What other sport is there which permits you to perform with a high degree of competence, quite literally until you drop?! Age is no impediment – 8 to 80, it doesn’t matter.

We are also talking about an addictive game.

It is said that for the shooting man Christmas is a funny time of year – it is only then that he realises that his wife left him at the end of August! Grouse is probably the greatest, and certainly most expensive addiction of them all.

There are those in advancing years who you might think, after a lifetime of pulling the

Mike shooting at Lyneham, Devon with his Labrador, Cara. Photograph by Chris Martin

trigger, would tire a little of taking pot shots at pheasants. Whereas many actually step up their involvement as they get older. They have the time, the passion and the money, so why not?

“If I don’t spend it the kids will” is their mantra. By now they have done their trial and error on different sports and games, have the experience and skills to overcome any physical shortfalls and can settle on the sport they know and love.

Also, in our sport there is so much variety.

The UK is unique in this respect. Nowhere else in the world is it possible to enjoy such diverse, high quality shooting. From the valleys of Wales and the West Country, to the moors and dales of the North, the wild partridges of East Anglia, and the veritable smorgasboard of shooting opportunities in Scotland. Beautiful places, wonderful sport.

There are no bag limits, other than those which are self-imposed, and there is great tradition underpinning all of our sporting endeavours. It is possible to stand on ground bestrode by some of the Edwardian big Shots.

We see estates on the inside in a way that is www.hollandandholland.com

PEOPLE & PLACES

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

strong wind the shooting was beyond the reach of members of the exhilarating. I shot 1½ brace, and will general public. We see this green and never forget one bird in particular. It pleasant land at its very best. Our flew across against the most panoramic presence is imbued with privilege. of Highland backdrops. I was stood on And me? I am reaching the age a narrow ledge, and took it at 40 yards. where I have never understood the The picture will never leave me. senior philosophy as much as I do now.

I went to Russia and shot a hare – Whilst I have been to a lot of shoots, but what an experience. I was riding sometimes I carry a gun, other times pillion on a Ski Doo when I when representing a magazine, I don’t. pulled the trigger.

But I enjoy both with and without, in There was a distant woodcock equal measure. Certainly, wherever missed by three others on a snowy day possible, I never pass up an opportunity. in Hampshire. The occasional And any invitation has the most extraordinary effect in brightening “Here’s my hare!” Mike with a hare taken whilst riding on the rear exceptional partridge or pheasant, never to be forgotten. A long grouse up the day. seat of a Ski Doo in Russia over pointers years ago on a wet day in midCertain shooting days are of a ritual status.

Wales. Being an average shot heightens the In my case these typically are for the most part pleasure derived from those moments when it farm shoots on the Lincolnshire fens, home all falls into place. ground, where our quarry is driven wild There are lots of memorable flashbacks, but pheasant, small birds of high-octane they all have certain elements in common – performance that climb and curl in a manner special settings most definitely being one. The which will often defeat accomplished Guns. other is the company. There is no doubt that They are streetwise and tremendous sport, outrageously so on a windy day. All of these on high birds in the West Country and the some of the nicest people I know shoots are by invitation only – no money North of England, but intriguingly some of are keen Shots.

I intend to enjoy their company until I can changes hands. And the team line-ups vary the most memorable have also been some no longer carry a gun. In the meantime, so little year on year. I am usually the odd man of the smallest.

Ptarmigan on the tops at Invercauld was an many more wonderful memories await. We are out, as most others are either farmers or H involved in agriculture in some way. Their experience I will never forget. As we made our blessed to have such a sport. way up the hill (of mountainous proportions) Mike Barnes is editor of Fieldsports Magazine company is good, as is the shooting.

Elsewhere, I have enjoyed wonderful days we shot the odd grouse. Then at the top in a www.fieldsportsmagazine.com

“Being an average shot heightens the pleasure derived from those moments when it all falls into place”

Accompanied by his wife Lynne and Cara on a Northumberland grouse moor. Photograph by Neville Gill

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volume 16 • the shooting field 15

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

THE ‘ROYAL’ YEARS

PEOPLE & PLACES

t he r oyal a rmouries c ollection

tracing the ‘royal’ connections throughout holland & holland’s history

1885 1911 1928 1935 1937 1950 1963 1969

Holland & Holland applied for The ‘Royal’ trademark in 1885 based on the most successful hammerless action of all time and this was granted in the same year Holland & Holland was appointed Gunmakers and Rifle manufacturers to HM King George V THE ‘ROYAL’ BREVIS MODEL WAS INTRODUCED To mark the company’s centenary in 1935 the ‘Royal’ Centenary models were issued The ‘Royal’ shotgun cartridge was patented and to this day Holland & Holland’s ‘Royal’ Game cartridges are specially designed to ensure optimum patterns and striking energy at longer range and lower pressures to ensure suitability for use in traditional game guns Holland & Holland manufactured the first over-and-under ‘Royal’ model Holland & Holland was awarded The Royal Warrant from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for rifle making Holland & Holland was the recipient of The Queen’s Award for Exports

1970

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh attended a reception at 13 Bruton Street to mark Holland & Holland’s second ‘Product of Excellence’ set of five ‘Royal’ guns. The first set being completed in 1968

1974

HM The Queen attended her first CLA Game Fair at Stratfield Saye, Berkshire and visited the Holland & Holland stand, whilst her son HRH the Earl of Wessex was given a shooting lesson by Holland & Holland’s instructor, Ken Davies

1976

HRH The Prince of Wales visited the CLA Game Fair two years later at Glanusk Park in Wales, whilst his sister, HRH The Princess Royal assisted the Holland & Holland team in booking lessons for young shooters

1977

To commemorate HM The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Holland & Holland manufactured a set of four ‘Royal’ guns and set of twenty-five bolt action rifles

1992 1995

A redesigned ‘Royal’ over-andunder is announced and exhibited Awarded the Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales for guns, shooting accessories and country clothing

As HM The Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, we wonder whether Harris Holland celebrated his 61 years at the helm of Holland & Holland and whether his nephew Henry ever dreamt that Holland & Holland would continue to clothe and serve our Royals well into the 21st Century

2012

16 the shooting field • volume 16

The famous Hall of Steel at the Royal Armouries © 2012 Royal Armouries

W

hen your history is as distinguished as Holland & Holland’s, it is key to keep a reliable record of all that has passed from which future generations can learn. In London, our Brevis Room holds the finest examples of our gunmaking heritage for our record. In the wider realm of the gun trade, The Royal Armouries is constantly working to keep an accurate collection of all of the firearms made across the world, including a fascinating collection of sporting guns and rifles.

The Armouries started life as the main royal and national arsenal, housed in the Tower of London, where its original purpose was to serve the medieval kings of England. Its origins date back as far as 1414 and it was home

to the Master of the Ordnance who supplied equipment to both the Army and the Navy.

In the 16th century, it was recorded that the collection was viewed by a travelling dignitary, perhaps awarding the Royal Armouries with the accolade of Britain’s earliest museum and one of the oldest museums in the world. It is one of the many institutions established at the Tower of London, and still has a museum in the White Tower to this day.

With an ever-growing collection, there came a time when the Tower of London was not big enough to hold the Armouries’ full inventory.

A new home was needed to help accommodate the whole collection. In 1995, Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson opened near Portsmouth and became the home of the national collection www.hollandandholland.com

PEOPLE & PLACES

The Holland & Holland Gunmaking Display at the Royal Armouries in Leeds

of artillery. This Victorian fort has recently undergone a £3.5m redevelopment, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and offers a collection of over 350 big guns, from pre-gunpowder siege machines to modern day superguns.

Perhaps the biggest of all developments in the Royal Armouries’ recent history came in 1990 when the decision was taken to establish a new museum in the north of England. The idea was for the new museum to become home to the bulk of the collection of world-wide arms and armour. This move would enable the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London to concentrate on displays that had direct relevance to the Tower. Six years of planning, deliberation and building followed and finally in 1996 the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds opened to the public.

The grand, glass-fronted museum building was designed by Derek Walker and sits on Leeds’ Clarence Dock. The museum building itself is a towering sight and boasts a collection of 8,500 display objects. There are five galleries

Double barrelled rifle in the Armouries Collection taken on Safari by Ewart S Grogan © 2012 Royal Armouries

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inside the museum that cover different subjects: War, Tournament, Self Defence, Oriental and Hunting. Outside the museum there is also an arena which plays host to entertainment such as jousting tournaments.

A focal point and must-see at the Royal Armouries is the Hall of Steel. It can be seen from the three main floors within the museum and is a mighty display filled with over 2,500 pieces of mainly 19th century arms and 17th century armour. It is the largest mass display of arms and armour since the 19th century.

The Hunting Gallery is a brilliant historic collection of sporting guns and rifles, as well as more traditional hunting weaponry, such as swords, spears and bows. It is one of a few places that document our world so thoroughly.

There are displays on the history of gameshooting, from its origins to more modern forms of clay-shooting. The big game hunting display features a number of rifles dating back centuries. This includes a small collection of Holland & Holland guns and rifles, one of which is a 4-bore, double barrelled rifle taken on safari by the famous British explorer, Ewart S Grogan in 1897.

Of particular relevance to Holland & Holland is a gun-making display. It was put together when the museum opened with the help of our technical director, Russell Wilkin. On show are the parts, components and tools used to craft a famous Holland & Holland shotgun. Within the display there is also the finished product; a beautiful 20-bore ‘Royal’ Side-by-Side Shotgun, with engraved

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

game scenes by Phil Coggan. To enhance the experience, a video demonstrates the art of gun making at the Holland & Holland factory.

Aside from the public museum in Leeds, the Royal Armouries serves another very important purpose for the gun-trade. Tucked away from public display, the National Firearms Centre – as its name suggests – is responsible for holding the national collection of firearms. The impressive collection not only holds several thousand weapons but also an extensive selection of books, photographs, technical information and engineering drawings. Its original purpose was to keep a record of British-made firearms. However, this changed after WWI as it became apparent that a wider collection of design and engineering specification was needed.

This side of the Royal Armouries is active in seeking out firearms for both educational and practical purposes. It is used by academics and researchers as a key reference point for a plethora of weaponry design and technical aspects. It is unsurprising that within this collection a number of Holland & Holland guns and rifles appear - a testament to the craftsmanship behind the great sporting guns and rifles produced by British gunmakers.

The work undertaken at the Royal Armouries is crucial for keeping an accurate record of firearms produced from all over the world.

Their enthusiasm for researching and keeping a detailed record is visible when you explore the tales and mysteries found whilst browsing the displays. It is fantastic to see such a diverse collection that will be kept as a historical and practical reference for generations to come. H For more information visit: www.royalarmouries.org

The Royal Armouries on Clarence Dock, Leeds © 2012 Royal Armouries

volume 16 • the shooting field 17

shooting clothing for the shooting world Renowned Author, Journalist and champion of British luxury, Nick Foulkes writes about his visits to Holland & Holland in the company of Creative Director, Niels van Rooyen

O

pen the most recent Holland & Holland catalogue and you will see a huge sand dune, it is the backdrop against which the summer collection for 2012 was shot. It is vast, an Everest of the Namibian desert, dwarfing the tiny speck that is a 4x4 at its base. “We had to get up at five in the morning to capture the right light, after about 8.30 the light was too harsh and the heat unbearable. I walked up about a quarter of the way up, had a cigarette and then came down” says Holland & Holland creative director Niels van Rooyen with a broad grin.

Creative directors can be difficult beings, in some instances they enjoy a hierophantic or even godlike status, where every utterance is treated with an almost scriptural significance.

Niels is not like that at all, which is precisely why I enjoy his company: he is a professional and a perfectionist prepared to go to Africa, venture into the desert and get up before dawn to get the shot and then there is his mischievous side, the naughty boy sneaking off for a furtive ciggie.

It is impossible not to warm to Niels and I can think of few better people to have along for a shooting weekend. Is he a crack shot?

You know I have never asked him; but he is great fun to be with and he is also a man who understands the great truth about shooting; namely that one of its truest pleasures is to be found not so much out in the field, but at home hanging in the wardrobe. Shooting is one of the few sports – with the possible exception of backgammon – for which gentlemen still dress like gentlemen. And while I would not necessarily call myself a gentleman I suppose I only really took up shooting to justify the addition of further heavy tweeds to my wardrobe.

This is why I so enjoy my twice yearly trips into the bowels of Holland & Holland’s HQ on Bruton Street, where surrounded by hats, gloves, scarves, coats, ties, ashtrays, shirts and so forth, I chat through the new collection with Niels.

Holland & Holland has tried its hand at fashion before and the memories I have of bikinis and lissom young models leading livestock along a London street, are not among the best. I suppose that you could just about make a case for bikinis being shooting garb of some sort, provided you are shooting in the Caribbean – you may recall that in Thunderball Sean Connery does a little claybusting with the villainous Adolfo Celli. But it might be a bit chilly for Devon, Wales or the Yorkshire Moors.

What Niels has done is to bring Holland & Holland’s apparel (not fashion) right back to where it belongs at the heart of the shooting world. Whereas fashion imposes a look on the wearer; the sort of clothing that Niels has been commissioning for the Bruton Street store and an increasing number of wholesale customers allows the wearer to develop and showcase his or her taste and style. So whether it is an entire shooting wardrobe: cap, shooting coat and waistcoat, pair of breeks, hand knitted socks, gaiters and stout ankle boots… or just a pair of garters; you will find it in that comfortable and clubby bit of the Bruton Street shop between the entrance and the gun room.

As well as the house check there is a series of limited edition tweeds; just right for those like me who can always do with another tweed in the wardrobe while for the serious shooter there is a range of technical coats and what have you…although my eyes begin to glaze

“What Niels has done is to bring Holland & Holland’s apparel (not fashion) right back to where it belongs at the heart of the shooting world”

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

Clockwise: Men’s Signature Tweed. Silk Stag Dressing Grown. Niels & Nick Foulkes at the Finch & Partners Annual Shoot. Photograph by Marcus Dawes. Nicholas and Hugh van Cutsem in technical shooting attire.

Clothing and main photograph by Jake Eastham.

as Niels runs me through their miraculous properties. Technical garments are all very well, but I find it far better to stay indoors if the weather is looking dicey, not least because Niels has prepared a great range of après shooting clothes.

So as well as the serious stuff there are whisper-weight cashmeres in shades of tangerine, lettuce and raspberry; contrasting cords in jewel bright colours; sports jackets; blazers that he has a hard time keeping on the rails so quickly do they sell; giant hand-tasselled scarves of heavy English silk and also in silk elaborate dressing gowns for those Noel Coward moments. Given that not all British hosts like to turn the heating on (presuming they even have it) you might like to pack one of the king sized cashmere blankets, which can double as a luxurious picnic rug.

Rather selfishly I do not pay too much attention to the women’s side of things, but it is hard to ignore such desirable items as the deerskin gilets – Niels when are you going to start making them for men too? And as for the hats with the birds…they are as much

masterpieces of the taxidermist’s art as they are the milliner’s. Thinking about it they are far more flamboyant than the shooting bikinis ever were, but in Niels’s hands they are perfectly pitched, just on the charming side of outrageous, eccentric and exaggerated they may be, they are indisputably linked to the shooting world.

In fact Niels makes it all seem rather simple, he borrows motifs from the engraving on gun actions or the cross hatching on wood to apply to exquisite gifts: silverware, glasses and decanters; while the beautiful figured wood of the walnut stocks is echoed in the veneers of a Linley box of playing cards and in the ripples of a Damascus steel knife blade.

Perhaps it is unsurprising, but so successful has the clothing become that there are plans to give it more space. “There was even talk of moving the gun room to make more space,” says Niels but he was appalled rather than flattered by this suggestion. “I put my foot down,” he says Niels becoming unwontedly serious “that must never be allowed to happen, the gunroom H is the heart of Holland & Holland.” volume 16 • the shooting field 19

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

b ritish c raftsmanship at h olland & h olland

working with british designers and craftspeople is the key to creating the finest luxury clothing and accessories, words by Tom fleetwood

A

s you explore the clothing and accessories department at Holland & Holland, only the finest luxury pieces dress the shelves and hang from the rails. These pieces vary in design, material, colour and pattern, yet they all have one important thing in common, and that is the British craftsmanship that led to their creation.

British craftsmanship is deeply ingrained in the ethos of Holland & Holland and there is no finer example than the famous guns and rifles that are made in the London factory.

It is no secret that these traditionally made, sporting products epitomise what is possible when British design and craftsmanship are combined.

For Holland & Holland’s Creative Director, Niels van Rooyen, everything on offer in the clothing and accessories department must first start with a story and he believes there is nothing more special than the story of the gun itself. Niels said, “In essence everything is inspired by the gun, it has to be - it’s the foundation of Holland & Holland and a fine example of British craftsmanship done well.”

As a truly British company, Niels insists

20 the shooting field • volume 16

that Holland & Holland’s products and designs must be representative of this. He achieves this through extremely close collaboration with British companies, designers and craftspeople. But what is so special about British craftsmanship? Niels believes, “With British-made you get high quality products as as they are only made in small numbers. This guarantees attention to detail and you always know they have been hand-crafted which is exactly what our customers are looking for.”

Holland & Holland collaborate with both established British craftspeople and upand-coming talent. Through these channels luxurious and interesting pieces are born. At the CLA Game Fair Niels discovered a retired silversmith who works with silver simply as a passion. His work was so impressive that Niels commissioned him to create a one-off set of silver position finders. Niels said, “When you work with special British craftspeople you get the story of their lives executed into an unmistakable passion. I believe this is brought to life and really shows in the end product. It’s part of what makes our pieces so interesting.”

Recently, Holland & Holland have shown

their commitment to British craftsmanship by collaborating with newly graduated designers.

In 2011 Niels worked with Central St Martins graduates, Kristjana S Williams and Kate Bonhote to create a very personalised pattern which was then designed and made into a bespoke dress by Roubi L’Roubi. This year Jonti Woodland, created a stunning design that thoughtfully interlaced patterns from gun engravings with a grouse theme. This design was incorporated onto popular tubular silk scarves and has become a staple piece in the collection.

Jonti said, “I’ve always felt British craftsmanship stands out. Worldwide, people are buying into it because of its unquestionable quality. Today, designers who look to work with companies that keep these values alive need to be promoted as they take on an understated role in the industry.” He added, “It’s a massive achievement for me; to have a design feature on such a luxury item with my name alongside Holland & Holland’s is an honour.”

As well as collaborating with new British craftspeople, Holland & Holland also look to established British companies to help create

www.hollandandholland.com

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

Previous page from left to right: Holland & Holland Shooting Stockings by Wendy Keith, created with organic wool from Highgrove Home Farm. Holland & Holland Dinner Service with diamond and chequering design by Halcyon Days. Holland & Holland Card Set by Linley.

Top left: Spring/Summer dress designed and made by Roubi L’Roubi. Top right: Grouse, dog and gun silk scarf design by Jonti Woodland. Bottom right: A one-off set of silver shotgun position finders created exclusively for Holland & Holland by Alan Reynolds.

their luxury shooting attire and accessories.

There are colourful shooting stockings hand made by Royal Warrant Holder, Wendy Keith, who only uses the best British wool. In fact, such is the ‘Britishness’ of the stockings that some of the wool is sourced from the organic Lleyn Sheep at Highgrove Home Farm, with the kind permission of TRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Other collaborations include the renowned furniture designer Linley, who created a set of walnut tabletop pieces, including a tantalus, card box and photo frames. Holland & Holland also have an on-going collaboration with Royal Warrant Holders, Halcyon Days who create hand painted enamel pieces. Take the dinner service that uses the diamond and chequering www.hollandandholland.com

from a gun to create a unique design. Also boxes and cufflinks hand-painted with gun labels and a classic scene from the Shooting Grounds. Debbie Davies, UK Sale Director of Halcyon Days said, “Working with Holland & Holland is a great example of how two luxury British brands can come together and exchange ideas and creativity celebrating the very best of British craftsmanship and design.” All of the collaborations produce British classics that are tailored to embellish the spirit of Holland & Holland.

Not content with simply working alongside British craftspeople, Holland & Holland are also proud to celebrate and promote their work. In December 2011, clients were invited to the Bruton Street store to experience ‘An

Evening of British Craftsmanship’, whereby a selection of British craftspeople - who have collaborated with Holland & Holland - gave practical demonstrations of their individual crafts. Looking forward, plans are being drawn up to collaborate with The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), whose work celebrates British Scholars. The scholars offer a range of crafts in varying disciplines and are a fine example of true British craftsmanship.

For each Autumn/Winter Collection a new tweed is designed exclusively for Holland & Holland. The tweed, for both men and ladies, is woven is Scotland using traditional techniques. For Niels this is just one of the many ways to ensure that Holland & Holland H remains quintessentially British. volume 16 • the shooting field 21

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

THE SHOOTING GROUNDS

finest shooting TUITION “When it comes to shooting instruction it’s the quality of the instructor that makes the difference” says Steve Denny, the Shooting Grounds’ Director of Operations

Y

ou can write as many words as you like about a business and people will either believe them or take them with the proverbial pinch of salt. It is almost certainly true that tens of thousands of words have been written about Holland & Holland over the years, most of them in praise of London’s oldest established Shooting Grounds.

Since opening at our present site in 1932, the grounds have grown in stature and popularity, providing an almost unlimited variety of clay targets for both the novice and experienced shot, whether clay or game.

The fact that the grounds have not only maintained but greatly increased our customer base to now include a wide range of Blue Chip corporate customers is a tribute to the companies understanding that shooting and shooting instruction is all about people.

As is often commented about companies, it’s the people who make a business. This is never truer than in a business where contact with the customer forms the major part of the working day, as it does with instructors

at any of the country’s shooting grounds.

Teaching other people a skill that you take for granted is never easy, whether it be a subject in the classroom, learning to drive a car or learning to shoot. Of all of these it is probable that the technical, physical and experience requirements of the shooting instructor possibly puts this area of teaching in a class of its own.

Shooting instruction requires not only perfect harmony between instructor and client, but also complete confidence in the instructor’s ability to pass on many years of accumulated experience, covering every aspect of the shooting art. Experience of this type, and at this level, does not come easily or quickly. Many years of apprenticeship are needed to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to teach the basics and subsequent finer points of shooting at game, including partridge, grouse and pheasant, as well as purely clay targets.

Here at our shooting grounds in Northwood, Middlesex, we believe that we offer the finest level of shooting tuition

available anywhere in the world today. It may be the fact that our first shooting grounds were opened in 1880 in Kensal Rise, West London, or that we have been established at our present location since 1932, or the fact that our present instructors have well over 120 years of teaching experience between them.

In reality it is simply the fact that we have, over the years, elevated the teaching of shotgun shooting to an unprecedented level of expertise. Whether you are an expert shot with a transient problem, a total novice lady or gentleman, or a youngster taking your first faltering attempts to follow in your father’s footsteps, you will receive the same comprehensive attention to detail, whether attending your first or last lesson of a series.

And if you’re apprehensive about shooting in front of an expert – rest assured your instructor will have seen it all before. H To book a lesson at the Shooting Grounds, please phone 01923 825349 or email: shooting.grounds@hollandandholland.com

Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds instructors from left to right: Clive Jeffery, Steve Rawsthorne, Chris Bird, Stewart Carrington, Nathan Dudley, Roland Wild

22 the shooting field • volume 16

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THE SHOOTING GROUNDS

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

gun fitting

Try-gun set for a right handed shot clearly showing cast off

S

A Bespoke Gun Fitting with Chris Bird, Holland & Holland’s Chief Instructor

ince the Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds were established in 1880 one of its main tasks has been the fitting of our bespoke guns. The combined experience of our gunfitters over these 130 years has led to a pool of knowledge unsurpassed in any other shooting ground. The recognised excellence of a Holland & Holland gun fitting now benefits any gun owner.

The formula for the perfect gunfitting is to measure the following three elements: The Stock Length – which we measure from trigger, to heel, to centre and to toe. If one can imagine the butt of the gun being a footprint, the top of which is the “heel” the bottom is the “toe”. At Holland & Holland the standard pitch is for the heel to be 1/8” longer than the centre and the toe to be 1/4” or 3/8” depending on the individual’s chest shape, the more toe the higher the gun will shoot. Ladies often appreciate the toe being rounded slightly for comfort. When too long, the stock will not

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be able to be mounted without snagging in clothing, resulting in a miss and a bruised shoulder. If too short the gun will seem to recoil more and generally it will be unstable, the second finger behind the trigger guard may also be bruised. From a shooting point of view

“The gun must become part of you when you shoot, you must trust it totally” too short a stock is preferable to one that is too long. When correct, the stock length is one of the key elements that makes a gun feel part of you.

The Bend - measures the distance the stock is dropped from the imaginary extended rib line. Usually the only two measurements taken are at heel and comb. When the gun is mounted

the comb should be firmly on the cheek where the teeth join. The comb must not have direct contact with either the jaw or cheek bones which could result in headaches and a nasty bruise. Once mounted like this the eye must be able to see clearly over the rib to the target. It is very important that the dominant eye is never able to be eclipsed behind the breech. This is why the bend or drop is quite rightly considered the most critical measurement.

The Cast - measures the amount the stock is offset from the centre of the rib line.

Measurements are taken at heel, face, comb and toe. Usually, it is face shape that determines the required cast, especially the jaw line in relation to the eye.

It is important that your face is turned into the stock so that the jaw is running along the stock not across it. This feeling of ‘kissing the stock’ will prevent jaw bumping and also enable the eye to align down the centre of the top rib. volume 16 • the shooting field 23

HOLLAND & HOLLAND If having to alter the measurements of an existing gun, it would be bent in the hand, as this is the slimmest part, pivoting about this point along a straight bladed stock to the heel.

If a lot of cast is needed on a bespoke gun, thanks to the great skill and craftsmanship of our stockers and, in extreme cases the actioners, we can fit the gun with a ‘swept’ face. This is a wonderfully comfortable way of achieving a lot of cast if required because of technique, face shape, eye position or more commonly

THE SHOOTING GROUNDS having a bespoke gun made, or re-stocking an existing gun, then you should take the time to visit a trusted gun fitter.

• As a regular shot you shouldn’t suffer any form of recoil. No bruising to the shoulder, face or hand. No headaches or muzziness. The gun must be under full control on firing, with no muzzle flip of any form. The well fitted gun should hit the target not you!

• Weight change, especially facially, or changes in activity levels which alter muscle

Having booked your gun fitting appointment make sure you are prepared. Arrive in good time, relax with a cup of coffee, and begin to focus on the purpose of your visit. Wearing your normal shooting kit is a good idea; it should be comfortable and unrestricted.

Prepare a summary of your shooting history.

The more information the gun fitter has the better the final gun fit.

The actual fitting session will start as soon as you meet. The fitter will be noting your height,

Fitting plates – The correct shot on the fitting plate, slightly high and perfectly on line

eye dominance. The comfort is because the face locates into the sweep giving a consistent position. The other huge advantage is that the recoil passes directly down through the gun into the shoulder pocket with no sideways stock movement.

Over many years of gun making a standard gun shape has evolved. For the majority of shots this standard fit is perfectly adequate, especially if they have been able to adapt their style to compensate. If, however, any of the following points rings alarm bells, you are 24 the shooting field • volume 16

shapes in shoulders or chest can have a dramatic effect on gun fit. Injuries or conditions restricting movement may result in a change in stance or technique which could be remedied by adjustments to your gun.

• Inconsistent and changing eye dominance seems to be increasingly common. If you notice a drop in performance or, start missing what would have been a definite hit, it could be the result of a change in eye dominance. An experienced gun fitter will be in a good position to offer an effective remedy.

build, arm length, neck, hands, freedom of movement and flexibility. Your facial dimensions will be of special interest, particularly the position of your eyes in relation to jaw line. Are you left or right handed?

What discipline or type of shooting will the gun be used for?

Then the appropriate ‘try-gun’ is selected from a dozen or so available. This will be set up to approximate measurements on the information gathered so far.

Next, the ‘fitting plates’. Once out in natural www.hollandandholland.com

THE SHOOTING GROUNDS

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

“Arrive in good time, relax with a cup of coffee, and begin to focus on the purpose of your visit”

Stock correctly positioned in shoulder pocket, face firmly on stock allowing the dominant eye to see over the top rib

daylight your eye dominance is discussed, checked and a conclusion made. A few dry gun mounts will be watched as you get used to the different feel of the try gun. At this point there may well be suggested improvements to technique. You then shoot at the stationary target. If necessary adjustments are made to the try gun until you are able to place the shot pattern on the target approximately 2/3 high of the mark and perfectly online.

Part of the formula for successful shooting

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Then to the clay layouts where increasingly fine adjustments can be made to the try gun as different target types are shot.

The going away target is a must, as it is the quickest to show a poor gun fit or mount. The gun fitter will be mainly checking ‘cast’, but also that the target can be clearly seen by the shooter as it breaks. This confirms comb height. The going away target needs the longest stock.

A driven target, taken almost vertically, needs the shortest stock. This is where the compromise that is stock length is reached. It is also important to check the footprint has complete contact with the shoulder, so improving the stability of the gun on firing. If not adjustments to the pitch may be made.

Cast is double checked, but care is taken that the shooter still has his face firmly on the stock, which is in the correct shoulder pocket.

Crossing targets allow us to double check the comb height or drop of the stock. As with the going away bird, the target should be seen at all stages of the shot.

Another very important stage is to discuss balance, barrel length, top rib, both hand grips, dimensions and recoil pads. Also worthy of consideration are chokes and cartridges.

A beginner or a shot with flaws in technique will find a few lessons at the school are necessary before a gun fit is possible. The gun fitter needs to see, at least, some correct gun mounts to establish what adjustments to make and it is assumed the shooter will continue to work on the agreed technique, so keeping the measurements relevant. You may also find that as you evolve as a shot, your gun fit needs adjustment, so it’s well worth having someone check the fit regularly.

Often the most value in a gun fitting is to the increased confidence the shooter has in the gun. Once you have the correct measurements you can continue learning technique and building up that all important library of ‘pictures’ without ever doubting it. The gun must become part of you when you shoot, you must trust it totally. Then and probably only then can you take full advantage of your instinctive co-ordinated self. You’re well on H the way to reaching your full potential.

To book a gun fitting at The Shooting Grounds, please phone 01923 825349 or email: shooting. grounds@hollandandholland.com

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THE SHOOTING GROUNDS

The Stalker and Rifle Shot at the Shooting grounds “Preparation is a necessity when stalking” says instructor, Steve Rawsthorne

Shooting is possible from a simulated high seat, as well as prone for Highland stalking and from a bench-rest for zeroing

26 the shooting field • volume 16

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THE SHOOTING GROUNDS

H

olland & Holland is justly famous for big game bolt action and double rifles, but we also make many smaller calibre stalking rifles. Here at the Shooting Grounds, we teach rifle shooting on our hundred yard range, whether as an experienced hunter and stalker you simply wish to brush up on your technique, or to start from scratch as a novice. Several of our instructors

are keen rifle shots and stalk on a very regular basis, all are happy to pass on their knowledge and experience to other stalkers.

Before you ever point a rifle at an animal you should be safe and be confident in your ability to hit the target and kill your animal cleanly. As an experienced shot with your own rifle, you need to be certain that the rifle is properly zeroed with the ammunition you will be using, especially if you have not used it for some time.

For the novice stalker, learning the basics of good rifle shooting technique, breathing, eye relief/sight picture and trigger control is essential. It goes without saying that safety is paramount, a rifle bullet can travel several miles if fired off accidentally. Your instructor will take you through all the safety checks of both the rifle and ammunition, how to remove the bolt, check the barrel and bore sight the rifle.

Later in the process, you may want to learn how to fit a scope to your rifle, zero it, fit moderators etc. The experienced or novice stalker who is considering undertaking the Deer Stalking Certificate, Level One, - particularly if he or she is intending to stalk on their own or to take on land - will need to be familiar with all of the stages of the shooting test, so that when you take your test, you can be confident of success. With proper preparation it is nothing to be afraid of.

Starting off with a .22 is usually the best way to learn and gain confidence, the ammunition is cheap and there is no recoil.

From here you will progress onto a typical stalking rifle and calibre, we usually use a .243 Win, one of the most common deer stalking calibres. A range of other calibres are

Unlike most ranges, the Woodland stalker can practise shooting off sticks, as you will in the field

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also available, so that we can find something similar to any estate rifle you are likely to encounter. A particular favourite of all the instructors here is the 6.5X55 or the .300 H&H, suitable for all types of deer and very comfortable to shoot.

So far you will have been shooting at circular rifle targets, however to prepare you for shooting the real thing, once you are shooting reasonable groups consistently, your instructor will move you on to a life size deer target. You will study the target together so that you are familiar with the proper bullet placement in order to cleanly despatch the animal. Head shots are strongly discouraged, it is the smallest target on a beast, about the size of a golf ball, and the most mobile, as a deer is constantly moving its head looking around. A heart shot is normally considered to be the most reliable and effective. For the very experienced stalker, neck shots do work very effectively, but you do need to be well-practised. Time spent on the range is never wasted.

When you do go stalking, you will be shooting from a variety of positions. Unlike many other ranges, where you can only shoot from the prone or bench rest, at Holland & Holland we teach clients to shoot as you will on the hill, prone from a bi-pod or off a rolled up coat or bag, or in woodland stalking, from a simulated high seat, off sticks, kneeling and standing freehand, so you will be well prepared for the field.

Once you arrive at the stalking venue, the stalker will usually ask you to shoot at a life size deer target, to see how you perform. If you have not practised, your stalking career could well end here but assuming all is well, he will take you out to stalk. Nothing can beat the thrill of your first stalk, the heart will be thumping, adrenalin pumping and breathing heavy. This is the time the investment in training pays off, calm your nerves and squeeze gently on the trigger, remembering all you have been taught. Success, you have your first beast!

Your instructor will be happy to talk you through the clothing and other kit you will require and advise on suitable calibres and rifles. You can discuss the merits and availability of hill stalking versus woodland stalking and how they differ and anything else you might need to know. The only thing to do now is go.

H Let’s do it!

To book a rifle lesson at The Shooting Grounds, please phone 01923 825349 or email: shooting.grounds@hollandandholland.com

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HOLLAND & HOLLAND

THE GUNROOM

Holland & Holland Rifle no. 26069 played an important role in WWI

s porting r ifles in wWI The story of Holland & Holland Rifle Number 26069 and its contribution to world war i,

by David Winks

P

ossibly the best arms catalogue ever published was the German, Adolf Frank’s 21 Alpha Catalogue of 1911, which gave a clear illustration of how far advanced German sporting and military manufacturers were in the production and mounting of telescopic rifle sights in the early years of the 20th century. This amazing 700 page publication, printed in four languages, offers an extensive number of Voigtlaender as well as Helios, Luxor, Busch & Zeiss all of which have varying magnification, reticules, and tubes size. To fix the telescopic sights to rifles such as the Mauser and Mannlicher military and sporting weapons, this catalogue of 1911 offers the claw mount, the same telescopic sight mount used today.

It is hardly surprising that by 1914 the German military were equipped with the superb Mauser 98 5 shot Bolt Action Rifle, to which was fixed a best quality, fully adjustable telescopic sight on a solid quick detachable mount.

28 the shooting field • volume 16

Furthermore, with hunting and shooting competitions a major sport throughout the German states, thousands of fine German and Austrian sporting rifles were donated or requisitioned at the outbreak of war in 1914.

“Life at the front line was so hazardous that a casual look over the trench invited a bullet within seconds” On the British side, the issue rifle of 1914 was the 303 Cal Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE), a well-constructed 10 round, bolt action rifle which was faster to operate than the Mauser 98. Telescopic sights were mainly made for sporting gunmakers of the period by the Periscopic Prism Co. There were problems

with fitting a telescopic sight to the SMLE. Unlike the Mauser 98, the action of which was ideally suited for a claw mount to be fixed to the top over the bolt, the Enfield had to have the scope fixed to the left side of the action, so the sniper had to move his head way over to the left to view the target with his right eye, a little confusing in difficult situations.

No surprise therefore that from the outbreak of war in August 1914, French and British forces suffered extremely accurate sniper fire.

It was not until the early months of 1915 that the SMLE was fitted with a telescopic sight - put together by the Birmingham Small Arms Company - and issued to units in the trenches. This also applied to the much needed Brodie Steel Helmet and the Mills Bomb.

Meanwhile casualties mounted.

Life at the front line was so hazardous that a casual look over the trench invited a bullet within seconds. Everyone was very aware of the sniping situation but there was one man www.hollandandholland.com

THE GUNROOM

who decided to help. Col Hall Walker MP entered the premises of Holland & Holland in Bond Street, on October 19th, 1914 and purchased a fine quality, Holland & Holland single barrel, telescopic sighted, 303 sporting rifle, no. 26069. It was regulated for the 173 grm pointed bullet and supplied in a leather case at a total cost of £37. The rifle was fitted with a pistol grip, a cheek piece and a double set hair trigger. All of the ingredients of a sniper rifle, which is not too surprising when the sales book entry read: “To be sent to: Earl of Kingston, Irish Guards, 4th Brigade of Guards, France, Carriage to Southampton 2/6d 21-10-14” However, in the confusion of war things happen, not least Capt The Earl of Kingston was wounded in action on 1st November, 1914.

The rifle was also sent to the Quarter Masters store without anyone being informed.

However, there is fortunately a rare letter dated 6th January, 1915 from the trenches written by Jack Trefusis, Commanding Officer, 1st Irish Guards. It starts, “To my dear K (Kingston)”.

The type written letter on two pages is faded and the two pages were typed at different times but were written to The Earl Kingston (who is recovering from his wounds) on January 6th and January 22nd.

Eventually the rifle did arrive in the trenches and as Jack Trefusis promised it was used against those damned snipers. In fact, on Page 57 of Rudyard Kipling’s book of 1923, ‘The Irish Guards in The Great War’ is written the following: “Casualties from small arms fire had been increasing but the battalion retaliated a little from one telescopic sighted rifle sent up by The Earl of Kingston, with which Drill Sergeant Bracken certainly accounted for 3 killed and 4 wounded of the enemy.” It continues, “There should be many of these rifles, many were used and this the father of them all now hangs in the regimental mess.” Another entry states, “The telescopic sighted rifles in the hands of Sgt Maj Kirk and Drill Sgt Bracken continued its discreet and guarded labours and they were later congratulated by G.O.C 2nd Division (General Officer Commanding).”

The Trefusis letter gives a graphic insight to the horrors of Trench Warfare, with a two week gap between the two pages 6 – 22 January, why? Possibly, the war got in the way. In the letter he also comments on the loss of many of his men and that himself and Capt Antrobus are the only two surviving officers of the original 1st Battalion. Sadly Jack Tefusis, full name Lieutenant Colonel, The Honourable

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

J F Hepburn-Stuart Forbes Trefusis, lost his life on 24th October, 1915.

As the war progressed the supply of telescopic sighted rifles greatly increased and gunmakers including Greeners, Holland & Holland, Purdey and Westley Richards were all put to work by the War Department to increase the numbers. Also, big game rifles were used in an effort to penetrate the thick iron shield used to protect the sniper in his concealed position; the shield had a rectangle cut out, enough to put the rifle through and sight his target.

The Holland & Holland rifle was bought to my attention by Capt David Horne of the Hon Artillery Company and with the Trefusis letter is on display at the Brigade of Guards Museum in London.

Rifle no.26069 was not the only Holland in World War I. Col Jack Holland MC D.S.O was with the Dragoon Guards fighting in the First Battle of Ypres, where he was badly wounded.

He returned to France after recuperation and fought at Cambrai, where he was awarded the H D.S.O to add to his MC. In closing I noted in the specifications of Holland & Holland Rifle no. 26069, fitted with telescopic sight. It is a superb 30mm tube German Voigtlaender scope.

Above: An excerpt from one of the letters sent by the Commanding Officer of the 1st Irish Guards, Jack Trefusis which makes reference to the Holland & Holland Sporting Rifle. Right: A photograph of the original sales ledger in Holland & Holland’s archive detailing the sale of rifle no. 26069 and its purchaser, Col Hall Walker MP.

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volume 16 • the shooting field 29

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

THE GUNROOM

g unroom a ccessories 1. Dark Brown leather cartridge bag available in three cartridge quantity sizes: 50, 75 and 100 (size 50 shown) priced at £385.00, £405.00 and £430.00 respectively.

Also available in Tan colour.

2. Dark Brown ‘Oak & Leather’ cartridge magazine which houses 250-300 cartridges - £2,400.00 Also available in Tan colour.

3. 12-bore Mocha Brown leather cartridge belt available in open and closed end (closed end shown) priced at £100.00 and £115.00 respectively.

Also available in 16-bore, 20-bore and 28-bore.

4. Small sized Mocha Brown full leather bound Game Book - £85.00 5. Large sized Mocha Brown full leather bound Game Book - £180.00 6. Leather cased “Grouse Butt Marker” - £145.00 7. 12-bore Cleaning Kit - £350.00 Also available in 16-bore, 20-bore and 28-bore.

8. Clear fronted leather Shotgun Certificate holder - £25.00 9. Handmade Turnscrews with nylon handles - £165.00 each 10. Peltor “Sportac” Ear Defenders - £170.00 11. Handmade 12-bore Chamber Brush - £160.00 12. 12-bore Leather hand guard £45.00 Also available in 16-bore, 20-bore, 28-bore and .410-bore.

Gun: 12-bore ‘Royal’ Over-and-Under Shotgun with engraved gold inlay pheasant game scene.

Cartridges: 12-bore ‘Royal’ Game Cartridges available from Holland & Holland.

Cleaning Kit: All items pictured are also available separately. *All prices correct at the time of publication

30 the shooting field • volume 16

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volume 16 • the shooting field 31

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

EVENTS

H olland & H olland a round t he w orld

Left: The Holland & Holland Shoot at the Teffont Estate, 2011 from left to right: Andrew Ambrose, Simon Isbister, Paul Graham, Laurent Huwart, Shan Davies, Guy Davies, Carlos Ramirez, Niels van Rooyen, Daryl Greatrex. Right: Guy Davies and Carlos Ramirez. Photographs by Jake Eastham Right: The Holland & Holland stand at the CLA Game Fair, Blenheim Palace. Below: The Holland & Holland team from left to right: Steve Denny, Daryl Greatrex, Pratik Patel, Andrew Ambrose, Louise Moir, Allan Utermark, Shan Davies, Niels van Rooyen, Richard Moir.

The Finch & Partners Annual Shoot held at the Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds: Top: The shooting party Left: Niels van Rooyen and Charlotte Dellal Right: Freddie Fox Photographs by Marcus Dawes Left: Primland Driven Shoot, 2011 from left to right: Guy Davies, Vic Venters from Shooting Sportsman Magazine, David Cruz, John Shtogren Editor of Virginia Sportsman Magazine and Loader Right: Robert Pearson (left) presents Darrell McKigney with award for ‘Best Overall Shooter’ in the Holland & Holland Small Bore Competition at the Autumn Southern SxS Sporting Clays Competition in South Carolina

32 the shooting field • volume 16

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EVENTS

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Clockwise: Shooting party at the Ventosilla Estate, Spain from left to right: Darryl Taylor, Maria, Steve Saunders, Daryl Greatrex, Endre Rossoe, Stacey Orand, Guy Davies, John Breedlove. Holland & Holland’s Chris Bird giving instruction during the Denmark Road Show 2012. The Holland & Holland team at SCI from left to right: David Cruz, Roland Wild, Russell Wilkin, Andrew Ambrose, Niels van Rooyen, Daryl Greatrex, Guy Davies. Laurent Huwart and Niels van Rooyen at Salon de le Chasse in Rambouillet, France. Arms & Hunting Exhibition in Russia.

I n- s tore e vents

Clockwise: An end of season shoot dinner in the prestigious London Gunroom. Rosie Williams modelling a loden shooting outfit down the catwalk at the Holland & Holland Fashion Show. The store set out for the Holland & Holland Fashion Show. John Stevenson hosting one of the special Dalmore rare Whisky tastings in the London Gunroom.

Marcello Exhibition Launch Party, Artist Marcello Pettineo with Managing Director Daryl Greatrex.

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ART & SCULPTURE

T he g lorious t welve the story behind cemmick & wylder’s latest Grouse sculpture, by the artist david cemmick

T

he latest, and perhaps the most dynamic sculpture created by artist David Cemmick of Cemmick & Wylder Fine Art is a life size bronze of twelve red grouse in full and dramatic flight. It was first unveiled at the 2012 CLA Game Fair as the centrepiece of the Holland & Holland stand.

The inspiration for the piece was kindled some forty years ago in the early 1970s when, as a teenage beater for John Grave, head keeper of the famous Wemmergill grouse moor, then under the care of the late Sir Joseph Nickerson, David first witnessed and sketched packs of grouse as they teamed towards the butts.

These early experiences coloured and inspired his artistic output and under the wing of friend and mentor Morgan Lynch, loader for the 18th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorn and landlord of the Rose & Crown at Mickleton, his artistic career began.

An apprenticeship as a taxidermist brought anatomical understanding to field observations, and at nineteen David launched his career as a professional artist. Travelling extensively to draw and paint wildlife in its natural environment, field trips over the next twenty five years took him to many unique and special places including Kenya, Madagascar, New Zealand, India, Abu Dhabi and Jamaica’s Coral Reefs.

More recently, after a chance meeting six years ago with mould maker Sebastian Wylder, his creativity has embraced foundry bronze editions, with a focus on sporting animals found on our own shores. When Niels van Rooyen of Holland & Holland first saw and 34 the shooting field • volume 16

exhibited two life-size rutting red deer at their flagship showrooms in Bruton Street, London, a special relationship began with new sculptures being created each year exclusively for them.

Early last year Cemmick & Wylder decided to create a sculpture, which would celebrate the unique place the red grouse holds in the hearts and lives of all who have had the privilege of experiencing the thrill of driven grouse.

In order to rekindle old memories and capture the spirit and magnificence of grouse at full-tilt, David needed fresh input. Invited to spend time in the butts on Stublick and Ousby moors, not far from his home in the foothills of the Pennines, his sketches inspired and informed the final creative process.

Twelve months in the making and launched in 2012, ‘The Glorious Twelve’ is a tribute to our wonderful red grouse and the countless custodians, keepers, guns and beaters whose passion and enthusiasm preserve them and the magnificent wilderness they inhabit, for us all.

This latest creation brings a life long passion for wild things and wild places and the time honoured qualities of foundry bronze together, in a dynamic and powerful limited edition of H only twelve sculptures worldwide.

For more information visit: www.cemmickandwylder.com

Top to bottom: David with wax mould of one of the 12 grouse. The 12 bronzed grouse before they were mounted to the sculpture. A concept design of the ‘Glorious Twelve’ in paper form. David’s sketches with 2 grouse moulds. Cemmick & Wylder pictured together with a previous project, two life-size rutting red deer.

Sebastian Wylder crafting the wax moulds.

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‘royal’ game shotgun cartridges Holland & Holland offers a wide range of shotgun cartridges suitable for all different types of shooting throughout the year. All of our ammunition is loaded for us by Hull Cartridge Company and is uniquely headstamped with the Holland & Holland name on the brass casing. These cartridges are available to purchase directly from our Bruton Street showroom in London, at the Shooting Grounds in Northwood or from the Classic Shooting Company in the United States.

As part of the range we are very proud to announce the launch of a new “High Performance” cartridge. This cartridge is available in 12-bore, 2 ¾ inch chamber, number 5 shot, 32 gramme load. In response to client requests, we designed this cartridge specifically for those high birds one can experience be it in Devon, Yorkshire or indeed on any shoot where you want just that extra bit of performance. We would strongly advise any of our clients to try this new cartridge during the forthcoming shooting season.

If you would like any further information on our range of cartridges then please contact the Gunroom to discuss your requirements. * High Performance cartridge only suitable for 2 ¾ inch chambers

London Gun Room +44 (0) 20 7499 4411

The Shooting Grounds +44 (0) 1923 825 349 www.hollandandholland.com

Classic Shooting Company +1 360 736 0089

L ONDON

N EW Y ORK

33 Bruton Street London, W1J 6HH +44 (0) 20 7499 4411

10 East 40th Street, Suite 1910 New York, NY 10016 +1 212 752 7755

T HE S HOOTING G ROUNDS

M OSCOW

Ducks Hill Road, Northwood Middlesex, HA6 2ST +44 (0) 1923 825 349

Solkovskoe Shosse 31, Building 1 SportHit Complex, Moscow, Russia +7 495 937 4553

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