serial #41, 12 ga., 30'' barrels choked full in each, with bright about excellent bores which show some remnants of some very light oxidation staining or light pitting here and there, with an older raised ding in the right tube about 6'' from the muzzles, it was well done, with a bit of pitting in that area. The barrels show a nice contrasting two-tone gray star Damascus pattern their full length, with some sprays of excellent quality scroll at the breeches, the patented crossbolt rib extension with neat acanthus engraving surrounding ''Damascus steel'' with a small gold band between the rib and rib extension. The frame is rather nice and is graceful with its pinched fences and is a silvery and smoky case-hardened patina. It shows excellent quality tight scroll in about 70% coverage with game scene vignettes right of quail and left of woodcock, the triggerplates neatly engraved ''Hollenbeck Gun Co./Wheeling WVa'' the bow of the guard with the same excellent quality scroll; the triggerplate screw does not sit flush but it is likely easily remedied. The checkered pistolgrip American walnut buttstock rates very good with the expected overall dings and handling marks that come from a field-used arm and shows a saw handle-bottomed pistolgrip with a nice ebony insert. The length of pull to the Hollenbeck Gun Co grooved hard rubber buttplate is 13 7/8'' with drops of 1 9/16'' and 2 3/4''. The splinter forend rates very good showing perhaps a bit more wear with a nice wedge-shaped ebony tip insert. The gun seems to lock up well and is tight on-face, and seems to function well mechanically. The Hollenbeck Gun Company's history is an interesting, if short-lived one. Frank Hollenbeck was a prolific inventor, and either worked for, founded, or was involved with many gun companies during his career including the Syracuse Arms Co. and the Baltimore Gun Co. before establishing the Hollenbeck Gun Co. and then later the Three Barrel Gun Co. This is a very nice higher-grade example of one of their quality double guns and has the benefit of 2 3/4'' chambers, so viable ammunition is readily available. A scarce and very attractive double gun from this short-lived manufacturer. (3C9768-31) {C&R} (1200/1800)
firearm