LONDON.- A rifle belonging to King Umberto of Italy will be offered by Gavin Gardiner (in association with Sotheby’s) in a sale of Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns and Rifles on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street, London.

A keen shot, Umberto I (1844-1900) was King of Italy from 1878 until his death in 1900 when he was assassinated. This .577 hammer rifle was built in 1883 by famous London gunmaker Holland & Holland and is estimated at £2,500-3,500.

Commenting on the auction, Gavin Gardiner said: “Over the years I have sold many guns with a Royal connection... most recently a rifle built for King Edward VII, as well as numerous guns built for King Edward VIII when he was Prince of Wales, and a gun built for King George VI. I have also sold a pair of guns that belonged to Lord Louis Mountbatten, Uncle to the current Prince of Wales, as well as many guns built for European Nobility including the last Tzar of Russia and another one belonging to Umberto I in 2009.

He continues: “The sale is perfectly timed for those keen enthusiasts who are looking for something different for the Boxing Day shoot. There will also include a good selection of accessories – which could make perfect Christmas presents! ”

Elsewhere in the auction will be a scarce 12-bore side-lever hammer gun by London maker Stephen Grant. Built in 1875, the gun retains much of its original finish and hardening colour and has 30-inch Damascus barrels. It is estimated at £3,500 to £5,000

The sale will also include almost 200 lots of fine sporting guns, rifles and shooting accessories including pairs and singles by all of the major makers such as Boss & Co, J. Purdey & Sons, Holland & Holland and J. Woodward & Sons. In addition there will be numerous single guns, as well as sporting rifles, collector’s firearms and shooting accessories.

Gavin Gardiner is the only specialist firearms auctioneer holding his auctions in the heart of London’s West End, where he holds two sales each year as well as his prestigious sale at the Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland in August.