Their new engraving technology allows for level of detail as yet unseen on a firearm. Available for models in the ‘Royal’ portfolio, this innovative development allows clients to select from an extensive palate, bringing colour and vibrancy to their bespoke commissions.

The carbon-steel canvas will tell vivid and illustrative s tales of fantastical creatures, hunts fraught with drama, family histories (including miniatures of beloved gun dogs), even sartorial scenes of alfresco dining. What was once abstract adornment is now vivacious, deeply personalised expression – these guns have transcended into an art form.

Of all the gun manufacturers in Britain, Holland & Holland have pushed the envelope the most. In 1883, they entered the trials organised by the magazine The Field and won all of the rifle categories, setting a new standard of excellence. In 1885, patents were granted to Holland & Holland for their Paradox gun, a shotgun with rifling in the front two inches of the barrel.

The last major development in the evolution of the sidelock side-by-side gun occurred in 1922, when the assisted-opening mechanism was patented by—you guessed it—Holland & Holland. This gun, the self-opening Royal side-by-side, has been hugely influential in gun-making throughout the world. These early, engineering innovations set a precedent for the esteemed gun maker and that game-changing spirit echoes into the manufacturing minutiae of today.

Finding current enamelling techniques somewhat limiting, a new approach was required. Holland & Holland found a solution that offered shading and blending in intricate detail; one that would also be durable and resistant to wear, withstanding the rigour of life in the field. Attention turned to the wider luxury industry—high jewellery and timepieces and a medical-grade resin compound was synthesised. This novel material, along with organic colour pigmentation has enabled the artisans of Holland & Holland to bring life to these spirited scenes: a verdant rainforest wherein a tricolour parrot perches; a coiled snake, resplendent in its crimson scalery; beetles, tree frogs and butterflies alive with colour, commingling around a thing made for death. It’s almost farcical but its beauty—the poetry within the irony—cannot be denied.

Owners of the company’s flagship ‘Royal’ models can now commission colourful works of engraved art through our specialist sales team, located in Holland & Holland’s London, Northwood and Dallas Gunrooms. Clients may choose from an extensive colour palette, or if so desired, a bespoke colour-matching service can be arranged.