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LOT 1452
Magnificent Trio of Factory Master G. S. Pedretti Signed and Engraved J.
Purdey & Sons 28 Gauge Round Body Trigger Plate Over/Under Shotguns
-A) J. Purdey Trigger Plate Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 31216, 28 gauge,
30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. James Purdey & Sons is
among the top firms in the world of bespoke arms and have made some of the
finest guns in the world throughout their illustrious history which stretches back
over 200 years. They have never wavered in their pursuit of perfection with each
and every gun that leaves their shop being a highly functional work of art. This
consecutive trio of small bore guns is a testament to the exceptional quality that
the firm is known for and would be a tour de force in any collection. One would
need to wait years to have a trio like this made, but this one could be yours today,
and it is truly rare to have a set like this available for sale at public auction!
Each gun in this magnificent trio was made with lustrous blued steel barrels
featuring a single nickel bead sight on the matted flat solid rib which is marked
with a gold inlaid “1”, “2”, or “3” indicating its place in the set. The barrels of each
gun are signed “J. PURDEY & SONS, LONDON, ENGLAND” to the left of the rib
and have a single band of engraving at the breech, an import mark on the flats
amongst the 2022 dated London proof marks, Teague thin wall chokes (.005/.010
installed), and 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels of each gun
are fitted to a coin finished rounded body action operating on Purdey’s innovative
Trigger Plate design allowing for the removal of the majority of the functional
parts with the press of a lever. The actions displays extensive beautifully executed
traditional bouquet and scroll engraving which surrounds “J. PURDEY/& SONS”
signatures on either side as well as “PURDEY” engraved on the underside before
flowing off of the action onto the triggerguard, both tangs, and the top levers
which are also adorned with a gold inlaid “1”, “2”, or “3”. The guns are signed “G. S.
PEDRETTI” to the right side of the trigger plate for Master Engraver’s Giancarlo and
Stefano Pedretti. Unfortunately, Giancarlo passed away in 2016, and, thus, this set
was engraved by Stefano, a master in his own right, who carries on the tradition
of excellence. The guns all feature a single non-selective trigger as well as a tang
mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. Each gun is fitted
with a gorgeous highly figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved
fittings and a gold inlaid “1”, “2”, or “3” on the Anson button release as well as a
pistol grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, an engraved coin finished grip
cap, “SRM” engraved in the gold inscription oval, and engraved coin finish heel
and toe plates around the checkered butt.
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