Page 398 - 4091-BOOK2

LOT 1492
Factory Engraved James Purdey & Sons Self-Opening
Sidelock Double Barrel
Shotgun with Extra Barrel Set and Case - Serial no. 25617, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brush bright finish, walnut stock.
This gun was completed by Purdey circa 1938 according to information given on page 194 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers:
The Definitive History”. Built wit
a single bead sight on the matted solid rib, “J. PURDEY & SONS” on the left tube and “AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.” on the right tube, import mark under the forend, and London proofs
on the flats showing 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a
highly attractive brush bright finished self-opening
sideclipped sidelock action which displays beautifully executed deep oakleaf engraving on the fences and floral
scrollwork over a darkened background surrounding “J.
PURDEY & SONS.” signatures on either lockplate and “J. PURDEY
& SONS/LONDON/ENGLAND” on
the underside. The scrollwork
continues off of the action onto
the toplever, triggerguard, and both tangs.
The gun features bushed firing pins, double
triggers, and a manual tang safety with gold inlaid
“SAFE”. The gun is mounted with a beautiful highly
figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with
engraved blue shoe and bright Anson button release
along with a pistol grip stock with teardrop carved drop points,
black grip cap, gold inscription oval marked “WEJ”, and checkered bare butt. Included is a second set of 30 inch barrels marked “BARRELS BY G. E. LEWIS & SONS.” on the right tube and “32 & 33. LOWER LOVEDAY St. BIRMINGHAM. 19.” on the left and showing Birmingham proofs for 2 3/4 inch chambers. Also included is an oak
& leather takedown case with canvas cover that houses the set along with cleaning tools, snap caps, and three turnscrews. Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured at .737/.375 inches; choke constriction
.042/.041 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.028 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at “12” (.729 inches) and .734/.735 inches; choke constriction .011/.020 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.028 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% blue and coin finishes with some minor handling evidence and some very faint freckling in small areas. The wood shows a few very minor scratches and sharp recut checkering. The extra barrel set is very fine. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent. A great chance at a fine English double!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
396
h blued steel barrels featuring