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LOT 1508
Exceptional Pair of Factory Master S. J. Kelly Signed and Engraved James Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns -A) James Purdey & Sons Shotgun - Serial
no. 29574, 12 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brush bright finish, walnut stock. James Purdey & Sons stands proud among the best of the best in the fine arms trade and has done so for over 200 years. This pair of magnificent
shotguns is a prime example of the craftsmanship that one can expect from this old and storied maker of fine guns and rifles. Each gun is built with blued steel chopperlump barrels and features a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid
rib which show a flourish of scroll at the base, single bands
of engraving at either breech, “J. PURDEY & SONS.” and “AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.” marked
on the left and right tubes respectively, and an import mark under the forend on the under rib. Gun “A” 1994 date London proofs on the flats showing 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors while “B” shows 1995 dated proofs and the same chambers. The bottom of the rear lumps are marked “R. 55%” and “L. 60%” on “A” and “R. 60%” and “L. 65%” on “B” indicating the choke constrictions by the percentage of shot present in a 30 inch circle at 40 yards. Both
of the guns have exceptionally lovely coin finished self-opening sidelock actions displaying gorgeous extensive deluxe scroll engraving with matted background giving the entire piece a strong dimensionality. The scrollwork extends to the toplever, triggerguard, and
both the upper and lower tangs adding to the elegance of the guns. Tucked into the scroll are “J. PURDEY & SONS” signatures on either lockplate along with “J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON. ENGLAND.” on the underside.