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LOT 482
Factory Aristide Barre Relief Mythological Engraved James Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 20042, 12 gauge, 31 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The makers have confirmed that this beautifully executed shotgun was completed in December 1912 as a hammerless wild-fowling gun. Built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring dual brass bead sights on the matted concave solid rib, “J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON” marked on the left tube and “FABRICADA ESPECIALMENTE PARA EL SENOR LIC. DAVID T. REYES RETANA.” on the right tube, single band of engraving at the breech, period London proofs indicating 2 3/4 inch chambers with added automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a blued self- opening sidelock action which displays extensive beautifully executed relief engraved floral scroll and mythological designs which cover nearly the entire surface. The engraving shows a cherub battling a winged creature on either lockplate, green man masks on either fence, a harpy on the toplever, a mask on the safety, and
green man masks on both the underside of the action and on the triggerguard. The gun features bushed firing pins, cocking indicators, a single non-selective trigger, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. While not signed, the makers have confirmed the engraver to be Aristide Barre, who engraved for Purdey until his passing in 1915, and whose work is highly sought after today. The gun is mounted with a highly attractive well-figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release as well as a slightly shortened round knob pistol grip stock with teardrop carved flats, a blank gold inscription oval, and a leather covered recoil pad.