Sporting guns that belonged to a highly rated former Irish horse racing trainer are one of the highlights of an auction to take place at Gleneagles Hotel.
Gavin Gardiner Ltd’s auction of modern and vintage sporting guns, which will feature around 200 guns and rifles, will be held on Monday, August 28, at 5pm.
One of the projected biggest sellers may be a pair of 12-bore sidelock ejector guns built by James Purdey & Sons — they carry an estimated sale price of between £30,000 and £40,000.
Meanwhile, sidelock ejector guns made by EJ Churchill and later owned by the late Irish racehorse trainer Vincent O’Brien, are estimated to fetch between £8,000 and £12,000. Mr O’Brien was voted “the greatest influence in horse racing history” in 2003 in a worldwide poll conducted by the Racing Post.
His many triumphs included training six horses that won the Epsom Derby and he won three Grand Nationals in succession. Mr O’Brien also trained the only British Triple Crown winner since the Second World War.
The case for the guns bears Mr O’Brien’s initials.
And a pair of 20-bore boxlock sidelock ejector guns by William Evans that were made in 1955 for Augustine Courtauld — a British Artic explorer — are estimated to sell for between £18,000 and £24,000.
Meanwhile, a scarce .350 Magnum bolt action sporting rifle is expected to fetch between £4,000 and £6,000.
The auction has seen some memorable sales in the past, including a pair of 12-bore self-opening sidelock ejector guns made by James Purdey that sold for £96,000 in 2009.
Gavin Gardiner said: “I am delighted to celebrate 50 years of auctions at Gleneagles with our annual auction of fine sporting guns — an event I have personally been involved with since 1985.
“The auction is known worldwide and attracts a unique cross-section of sportsmen and international wealth to Scotland just two weeks in to the grouse shooting season. It’s a tremendous honour to celebrate this anniversary and we look forward to coming back to the wonderful atmosphere and hospitality of the Gleneagles Hotel for many years to come.”
Those interested in viewing the guns and rifles can do so on the weekend of August 26/27, from 10am to 5pm both days.
For more information visit www.gavingardiner.com.
