Holt’s Auctioneers is selling two shotguns in its June auction on behalf of Mrs K Braithwaite, widow of the late John Robert (Bob) Braithwaite, the legendary British trap shooter who represented his country at two consecutive Olympics.
Born in Cumbria in 1925, the professional veterinarian sadly died at the age of 89 last year. His family has consigned the actual over-and-under 12-bore C Grade Browning that Bob used to beat 55 shooters from 34 nations and score 198×200 to win gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Bob also used the gun to compete in the 1964 Japan Olympics where he was placed 7th. With an estimate of £7,000-9,000, Lot 1600 features 29 7/8in. nitro reproved barrels, fine acanthus scroll engraving with the right side later gold-inlaid with the Olympic Rings.
Holt’s Auctioneers is also selling Lot 1601, a special edition D Grade shotgun also made by Browning that was presented to Bob in recognition of his sporting achievements. Also estimated at £7,000-9,000, the one-of-a-kind over-and-under 12-bore shotgun features 30in. nitro barrels, Bob’s signature gold-inlaid and a gold oval inscribed ‘Presented to J.R. Braithwaite Gold Medal Olympic Trench MEXICO 68’.
Holt’s Auctioneers is also selling Lot 1601, a special edition D Grade shotgun also made by Browning that was presented to Bob in recognition of his sporting achievements. Also estimated at £7,000-9,000, the one-of-a-kind over-and-under 12-bore shotgun features 30in. nitro barrels, Bob’s signature gold-inlaid and a gold oval inscribed ‘Presented to J.R. Braithwaite Gold Medal Olympic Trench MEXICO 68’.
Nicholas Holt commented: “I first met Bob approximately 15 years ago at the Inn at Whitewell in Lancashire. I was holding a valuation day there and he walked in and then told me his story. A complete gentleman and will be sadly missed.” John Browning, whose family founded Browning gunmakers, added: “Bob Braithwaite was one of shooting’s great natural talents, and his Olympic medal one of the sport’s most romantic stories.
A game shot in his youth, Braithwaite only took up competitive trap shooting in his thirties. He practiced when he could squeeze in time from his busy Lancashire veterinary practice, and still set an Olympic record of 198×200 in Mexico City in 1984 that stood for years. The gun that made it possible is a unique part of shooting’s history.” For sale in London on Thursday 30th June.Holt’s Auctioneers, Church Farm Barns, Wolferton, Norfolk PE31 6HA Telephone: +44 (0) 1485 542822 Fax: +44 (0) 1485 544463 www.holtsauctioneers.com
