Rod and guns

It’s not just shotguns at Holts; we now have twice yearly specialised fishing sales.
Old rods do not seem to achieve vast amounts of money unlike reels, at present. This beautiful Hardy ‘Palecona’ Brook Rod of eight feet (Pic 1 and 2) was made in 1939 (serial number E51412) and remained in the same hands until now. It is in four sections with a spare tip that is of even lighter construction, all in split cane and well finished. In 1939 there were three lines only: Brook, Trout or Salmon, all in silk. It comes in its original canvas slip and is £30–£50.

Mr Alf Elderkin, of Elderkin’s Gunmakers of Spalding, went occasionally to Skimin and Wood of Birmingham and bought gun actions to finish. This boxlock ejector (Pic 3) with scalloped back is one such item. It retains all original colour, has 28-inch barrels with raised Churchill Rib and 14½-inch original stock; surely very good value at £700–900. Thanks to Bill Elderkin for the background.

Armstrong and Co of Newcastle made this sidelock ejector with concealed third bite. The records have been lost, but dated around 1895. This 12 bore (Pic 4) is not a best quality action – it was probably bought ‘in the white’ from Webleys – nor is it stocked to the fences and is a back action. What is extraordinary is the quality of engraving. Every metal item is beautifully finished with a pattern of ‘stem and vine leaves’, it has a Celtic feel to it. From trigger guard to top lever and fore end to the heel and toe plates. The gun is No 1 of a pair, No 2 has been lost as well as the case.

The barrels are replacements by Mr P Knight of Carrington Street, Nottingham, last known there in 1928, though they are not the quality of the remainder. £700–900.

Call or email Simon Grantham to discuss or consign 07860 300055, simon@gsgrantham.com.

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