Holt’s will be auctioning a number of rare sporting guns and rifles on Thursday 10 December. In their auction of fine modern and antique guns there will be a wide selection of sporting guns and rifles from British and European manufacturers. There will also be antique arms, militaria, air weapons, sporting pictures, prints and accessories for sale.

Have a look at our latest gun reviews for some Christmas wish list inspiration, including the AYA English game-gun and the Browning 725 20-bore.

HOLT’S: NEW HAVEN ARMS CO. RARE ‘VOLCANIC’ RIFLE

The ‘Volcanic’ rifle is incredibly rare.

Among the rifles for sale at Holt’s in their upcoming auction is a rare .41 (internally charged) lever-action repeating carbine, model ‘Volcanic’. It was made by American gunmaker New Haven Arms Co. between 1857 and 1860.

As valuer Robert Morgan explains, “The Volcanic could be termed the father of the self-contained caseless cartridge.” Erosion and corrosion around the breech area, caused by the internal charging and the acidic priming compound made these guns unpleasant to fire and with only a production of around 6200 arms of all types, the Volcanic is incredibly rare.

The Volcanic has an octagonal 16 1/2in. barrel. It is estimated that it will be sold at £10,000-15,000.

HOLT’S: TWO PAIRS OF HOLLAND & HOLLAND SHOTGUNS

Both pairs of shotguns are engraved by Philippe Greifnee.

The auction will also include two exceptional consecutively numbered pairs of Holland & Holland shotguns. They were originally ordered as a complementary set of four in 12 and 20 bore.

Both pairs of shotguns are ‘Model de Luxe’ self-opening hand-detachable sidelock ejectors and are also exquisitely engraved by the late Philippe Greifnee, the award-winning Belgian engraver who passed away in 2012. Lot 1345 is estimated between £80,000-120,000 and Lot 1346 is estimated between £100,000-150,000.

HOLT’S: WINCHESTER RIFLE OWNED BY AFRICAN EXPLORER

This Winchester rifle belonged to explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

Holt’s have for sale a .45-75 lever-action rifle made by American gunmaker Winchester Repeating Arms in 1879. It was once owned by explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who was responsible for finding presumed lost missionary and explorer David Livingstone. While doing so, he immortalised the line “Dr Livingstone I presume?”.

The rifle was part of Stanley’s personal arsenal and represents a link to the exploration of Africa in the late nineteenth century and its desperately dangerous expeditions. It is estimated at £10,000-15,000.

For more information contact Holt’s Auctioneers.