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 Europea