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Lightweight 12 bore guns have always had some place in each maker's repertoire, but they were especially popular between the two world wars. A new gun introduced by Holland & Holland to capitalize on this lightweight gun trend was originall called the "Twelve Two". According to Donald Dallas, author of Holland & Holland, the Royal Gun Maker (2002), Charles Lancaster introduced a cartridge measureing just over 2" in length, called the "Pygmy" cartridge, in 1898. Newly developed condensed powders of the time helped make the cartridge possible, but the short cartridges had trouble with patterns when shot in guns with the longer 2 1/2" chambers. A couple of decades later, the the 2” cartridge was re-introduced by the B’ham trade in the late 1920’s. Again, the shells were just over 2” in length and Holland's adopted the 26gr of powder and ¾ oz. of shot. This was a very similar load to a 20g but when paired with correct chamber lengths, generated superior patterns to 20 bore guns with the same load. Holland's named this new lightweight gun the “Twelve-Two”.  

Holland’s “Twelve-Two” was introduced in the early 1930’s to fire the 2” cartridge and was extremely lightweight, weighing around 5 1/2 lbs with 28” barrels. It was available in all 4 qualities (grades): Modele-de-Luxe, Royal, Badminton, and Dominion.  

No. 32965 was made as a Royal "Twelve-Two" and completed in 1934 and based on Holland’s patented bar-action Royal sidelock ejector with hand detachable locks, two triggers, automatic safety, gold lined cocking indicators, and Holland's patented self-opening mechanism and ejectors. The lock plates and action bodies have the house’s Royal engraving pattern with “Royal Self-Opener Pat’d 1922” engraved on the bottom of the action. Gold lined cocking indicators and the word “SAFE” inlaid in gold as well. 

The original set of steel chopper lump barrels are 28" and remain in their original proof with 2" chambers and bore diameters that measure .732" in the right and .734" in the left and choked .010" and .014". The outside of the barrels were polished at some point and the walls measure quite thin at less than .020" min wall thickness. Barrels have a smooth concave game rib. The barrels are engraved with the Maker's name, the "98 New Bond St." address and engraved on the rib is: "For 2 In Shells Only" and "Royal Twelve Two". 

The Maker fitted new 27" chopper lump barrels to the gun in 2006 that are choked Cylinder in the right and .010" in the left. These barrels also fitted with a smooth, concave game rib and the Maker's patented self-opening mechanism. The Maker's name engraved on top of the right barrel and "Bruton St., London" engraved on top of the left barrel. Engraved on the rib is: "Royal Twelve Two". 

The original walnut stock is highly figured with traditional drop points, a straight grip with a diamond shaped hand, and a 14 15/16" LOP over a leather covered pad. The original splinter forend has a push-rod forend and both checkered in a 26 LPI point pattern with Mullered borders. 

The gun weighs a lively 5 lbs. 11 oz. with the new set of 27" barrels attached. 

The guns remain excellent as refinished. New re-black on original barrels and furniture, action has been brushed bright with new nitre blue on the trigger, and action pins and pegs. 

Stocks also excellent as refinished with a few small handling marks here or there. Overall the condition of this gun is excellent. 

Gun is complete in a green lightweight leather case with a red baize interior and leather H&H trade label.

We also have a good selection of modern 2” shells available. 

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