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LOT 3417
Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Non-Ejector Sidelock
Double Rifle in .500 Black Powder Express - Serial no. 11802, 500 Black
Powder Express cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
This rifle was completed in 1884 per the information on page 194 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The
Definitive History” and was purchased by Norman R. Blank from his friend W. Keith Neal. The rifle has blued barrels featuring a blade front sight, fixed notch rear sight, front sling
swivel, partial period London black powder proof marks on and ahead of the flats, and “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON.” signed on the solid
top rib. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened treble grip Beesley type sidelock action which has lovely relief carved fences and is covered with fine classic Purdey bouquet
and scroll engraving surrounding “J. PURDEY & SONS” signatures on either lockplate and “PURDEY’S/PATENT” on the underside. The rifle features bushed firing pins, cocking
indicators, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety with secondary bolt safety, both with gold inlaid indicators. The rifle is fitted with a figured and multipoint
checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and a pistol grip stock with casehardened and engraved grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear
sling swivel, blank silver inscription oval, and a checkered steel buttplate. Length of pull 14 3/4 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 4 oz.
CONDITION: Very good as professionally refurbished, retaining 95% plus blue finish on the barrels, 25% original case colors with the balance a fine silver patina, traces of the
original blue on the triggerguard, some oxidation on the barrels towards the muzzle, and overall light handling evidence. The wood is very fine with a few minor marks, a tiny chip
in the forend, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000