Built around 1891 for a Colonel Heber - Percy the gun was Nitro reproofed in London in 2003. See our scan of the original Holland ledger. Note that our gun matches the original order to a "T" except our scale shows it two ounces heavier undoubtedly due to the newer recoil pad. As I recall there were only 432 hammer 12g. Paradox guns ever built.

*The Heber_Percy line consists of a family with a long military tradition. With a little internet searching I found this reference with the timing being about right so this may be the first owner of our Holland Paradox.

Algernon Hugh Heber-Percy was born on 13 July 1869.1 He was the son of Algernon Heber-Percy and Alice Charlotte Mary Lockwood.1 He married Gladys May Hulton-Harrop, daughter of William Edward Montagu Hulton-Harrop, on 15 July 1903.1 He died on 25 December 1941 at age 72.1 He was Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Queensland.1 He was Private Secretary to the Lieutenant-Governor of British New Guinea.1 He gained the rank of Lieutenant in the Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry.1 He was Hereditary Seneschal of Montgomery Castle.1 He held the office of Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Shropshire.1 He lived at Hodnet Hall, Shropshire, EnglandG.1

I want to note this gun balances beautifully between the hands.

The Jones patent lock up is said to be the strongest action the British ever built! Some people say they are awkward to operate but I wonder if they have ever hunted and practiced with this action as I find them quite easy when one has a little time to get use to it.

It would be interesting to know the history of this gun. It has been very well taken care of.

*Note the Purdey style (patent?) grip safety which is usually only found on the high end guns of the period.

This gun is nicely cased with cleaning rod, jags, oil bottle, and snap caps.

This Holland features excellent stock dimensions and handles very nicely, feeling lighter than its true weight. This would make an excellent 16g to participate in Vintager events and also work well for upland hunting over pointing dogs.

We recently had the barrels blacked by renowned barrel blacker and browner and gunsmith Buck Hamlin so they are beautiful, inside and out.

Bores are bright with light pitting in places but nothing scary.

The Locks are of the highest quality and signed. They are Brazier locks.

Just a couple of days ago I heard a scream from my wife who was about to use the office bathroom. "SNAKE" she cried. I grabbed the nearest shotgun which happened to be this little 410. Could I find quickly a 410 shell? After what seemed way to long I found a couple of rounds and bounded to her rescue (we have rattle snakes in our area). Holland & Holland in hand, I arrived to find a 10" garter snake of which I just just picked up and gave a new home.