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LOT 1435
Rare Factory Masterfully Engraved and Gold Inlaid Pair of Peter Chapman 20 Gauge Self-Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns with Case -A) Peter Chapman Shotgun. - Serial no. 0017, 20 gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Peter Chapman began his career as an apprentice under Chris Gadsby as a finisher for Purdey in 1952. After some 25 years with Purdey, Chapman formed a partnership and struck out on his own with the intention of building some
of the finest guns in the world
reminiscent of Britain’s golden age of gunmaking. This fine pair is a testament to that end and shows off the incredible skill that he possessed in every facet of the guns. Chapman only built some 160 guns total making this pair a significant piece of total production and a true rarity. Both guns in the pair is built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth flat solid rib which is marked “PETER CHAPMAN - LONDON” along with a gold inlaid “1” or “2” at the base set in among floral scroll, light engraving at the breech, 1983 dated London proofs on the flats, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors.