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LOT 459
Factory Engraved Pair of J. Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Single Trigger Sidelock Ejector Double Barrel Shotguns with Case -A) J. Purdey
& Sons Sidelock Shotgun - Serial
no. 25181, 12 gauge, 26 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. James Purdey & Sons stand at
the pinnacle of fine gunmaking, with a
pair of their guns being a centerpiece of
many collections of fine European arms.
This pair of fine guns was manufactured
in 1936 per information given on
page 194 of Donald Dallas’“Purdey
Gun and Rifle Makers: The Definitive History”. Each gun in the pair was built with blued steel
chopperlump barrels featuring a single white bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib
which is signed “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.”
along with a flourish of scroll engraving and a “1” or “2”, correct period London proofs, and chambers marked 2 5/8 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels of both
guns are fitted to a casehardened Purdey patent self-opening sidelock action which displays highly attractive classic Purdey bouquet and scroll engraving extending
to the triggerguard, toplever, and both tangs. The underside of the actions are signed “J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON/ENGLAND” and “J. PURDEY & SONS.” signed on the
lockplates. The guns feature bushed firing pins, nitre blued cocking indicators, single triggers, leather wraps at the rear of the triggerguards for comfort under recoil,
and tang mounted automatic safeties with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicators. The guns are both mounted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved shoe
and Anson button release and a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, gold inscription oval marked “MMB”, and a leather covered recoil pad. Included is a nickel snap cap, a nickel oiler, four extra firing pins, a set of cleaning tools, and a factory supplied oak and leather takedown case that houses both guns and is marked “H. W. BREYER, JR./PHILADELPHIA.” stamped over another illegible name as well as a pair of leather mutton leg cases, one of which is marked “M. M. B./PHILA., PA.” on the exterior. Henry Breyer Jr. was son of the founder of the well-known Breyer Ice Cream Company and himself led the company for many years starting in 1934, possibly indicating that the guns were ordered as a gift at the time of his appointment to president of the company. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at “12” (.729 inches) and measured .735/.734
426 inches; choke constriction .010/.029 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.031 inches; 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 2 7/16 inch drop at heel; 13 1/2 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 2 oz.