Product Details
FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF ALFONSO XIII, KING OF SPAIN
A .360 NO.2 (NITRO EXPRESS) BLAND FARQUHARSON NO.3B ACTION TAKE-DOWN FALLING BLOCK SPORTING RIFLE BY T. BLAND & SONS, serial no. 16626,
for 1904, 25 1/4in. cordite proofed barrel by Adams & Tait (Cordite 65 GR Ball 320 GR MAXM) engraved 'THOMAS BLAND & SONS. 2 KING WILLIAM STREET. STRAND. LONDON.' and with 'WINNERS OF THE AMERICAN RIFLE TRIALS' surrounding '1885', block-mounted open sights with folding leaf sights, marked for 100, 250 and 300 yds and with white metal inlaid sight lines, with further tangent rearsight marked from 400 to 800 yards, ramp-mounted bead foresight, the breech end with further sight block, action incorporating Bland take-down system, tang mounted automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, the action profusely engraved with fine acanthus scrollwork with floral bordering and matted top, retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 14 1/8in. boldly-figured pistolgrip stock (broken and repaired at hand) with engraved steel pistolgrip-cap, sling swivels and including 3/4in. rubber recoil pad, complete with two Spanish National Heritage identifying labels (dated for 1961 and 1943) and a blank shield shaped escutcheon at the heel, fore-end with horn finial, weight 8lb. 1oz.
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the rifle was made for King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1904.
King Alfonso XIII of Spain (b.17th May 1886 - d. 28th Feb. 1941) was proclaimed monarch from birth as his Father, King Alfonso XII had died in November the previous year at just 27 years of age. His mother, Marie Christina of Austria served as regent until he turned 16 - and this rifle was made two years later in his 18th year.
Two years later he would marry Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg (a granddaughter of Queen Victoria) - the wedding upset by an assassination attempt by a Catalan anarchist. The King and Queen escaped the bomb unscathed, but thirty bystanders and members of the procession were killed and over a hundred wounded.
Following continued political and social unrest which had led to Spain being declared a Republic and Civil War breaking out, he finally abdicated his rights to the Spanish throne in January 1941, just one month before his death.
Throughout his life, he was a keen shooting man, an accomplished live pigeon and game shot who dedicated much of his time in pursuance of the sport throughout Europe. He was a great patron to many European gunmakers - and also to several Spanish football teams, his second great passion in life.
Literature: Christies December 2014 Auction, 'From the Royal Household of the Late King Alfonso XIII of Spain'
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Estimate £7,000-9,000
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament