A pair of Henry Atkin shotguns belonging to Sir Max Hastings

Holt’s Auctioneers is selling a pair of 12-bore spring-opening sidelock ejectors made by London gunmaker Henry Atkin for acclaimed British journalist Sir Max Hastings.

• Holt’s Auctioneers’ Chris Beaumont commented: “We see very few examples of the Atkin spring-opening gun so it is particularly nice to have a pair in for auction – especially with a link to one of our most eminent writers and historians, Sir Max Hastings. Based on the venerable Beesley self-opening design still used by James Purdey & Son to this day (and virtually unchanged since its conception in 1880), these guns are both very elegant in design and hugely effective in the field, the self-opening system giving a definite edge for fast reloading.” Sir Max added: “I used this pair of Atkins for more than 20 years. They are lovely, perfectly-balanced guns which have given me enormous pleasure through hundreds of shooting days.  They never miss - I am the only one who does.  For me, side-by-sides possess a special beauty and grace:  they are works of art, where over-and-unders seem tools by comparison. I am reluctantly parting with these guns now, only because in my ‘seventies I have taken to using lighter 20-bores. I hope that they will now provide another sportsman with half the joy that I have had from them.” 

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• The guns feature 28in. nitro chopperlump barrels, ribs gold-inlaid '1' and '2' and engraved 'HENRY ATKIN LTD (FROM PURDEY'S). 88 JERMYN ST. LONDON. S.W.', 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 1/2 choke, wall thicknesses below recommended minimum, toplevers gold-inlaid '1' and '2', automatic safeties with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' details, removable striker discs, spring opening actions based on the Beesley / Purdey 1880 patent with 1909 model improved ejectors, best fine acanthus scroll engraving with floral bouquets, the undersides with 'HENRY ATKIN FROM PURDEY'S' in an oval, retaining traces of original colour-hardening, 15 3/4in. replacement stocks, weight 6lb. 6oz.

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• Estimate: £8,000-12,000 Holt’s Auctioneers’ next auction in London is on Thursday 16th March.