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LOT 480
Consecutive Pair of Factory Engraved James Purdey Push Forward Underlever Bar-in-Wood Double
Barrel Hammer Shotguns -A) James Purdey Bar-in-Wood Shotgun - Serial no. 9179, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid
rib bbl., brown/blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This pair was completed circa 1874 according to page
193 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History.” The set has browned
Damascus steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is
signed with the Purdey address (very faint on gun “A”) and a “1” or “2” respectively, period London
black powder proof marks, and chambers measuring 2 1/2 inches with a single extractor. The
barrels of each gun are fitted to a casehardened push forward underlever bar-in-wood action
which displays handsome scroll engraving, “No. 1” or “No. 2” marked on the watertable, and
“PURDEY” signed on the lockplates. Each gun features dual triggers as well as rebounding hammers. The guns
are both fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved
fittings as well as a straight grip stock with tear drop carved flats, blank inscription oval, and a
checkered bare butt. The included Norman R. Blank Collection note states “From J. D. Buchanan.
Gift to me from Joyce Buchanan”. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches
from the breech .743/.742 inches; choke constriction .000/.000 inches; minimum wall thickness
.025/.026 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Very good as refinished and restocked, retaining nearly all of the brown finish with some minor subsurface pits, nice
Damascus patterns, some oxidation towards the muzzles, grey patina on the action with some dried grease, much of the blue finish on the triggerguard with some
loss, chips and minor cracks in the wood, some scratches, and mostly crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. B) James Purdey Bar-in-Wood
Shotgun - Serial no. 9180, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., brown/blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L):
bore diameter nine inches from the breech .744/.743 inches; choke constriction .000/.000 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1
13/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 13 oz.
CONDITION: Fine as professionally refurbished with nearly all of the brown finish on the barrels, 95% of the case colors on the action, some oxidation towards the muzzles, and 98% of the blue finish
on the triggerguard. The restocked wood shows a few cracks ahead of the triggerguard and repair by the right lock and has a few marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: J.D. Buchanan; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,000
LOT 479
Rare Engraved Holland &
Holland 8 Bore Double Barrel
Jones Patent Rotary
Underlever “Paradox”
Hammer Ball & Shot Gun
- Serial no. 11944, 8 Bore
gauge, 28 inch bbl., brown/
blue finish, walnut stock. Built
in circa 1891 as an enormous
Fosbery patent “Paradox” ball and shot
gun with rifled chokes which have since been
removed. With browned Damascus barrels respectively signed “HOLLAND & HOLLAND.
98. NEW BOND STREET. LONDON/“PARADOX” FOSBERY PATENT” towards the breech ends which are each
engraved with a band of stylized foliage. Solid raised partially matted rib with bead front sight, blued rear
sight of one folding leaf with platinum inlaid center line, and doll’s head extension engraved with a shell. The
underside of the barrels with London black powder proof marks and Birmingham nitro reproof marks. Border and
scroll engraved action with carved percussion fences and blued underlever. Back action rebounding locks each with border and scroll engraving, signed
“HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and with blued hammer. Well-figured 14 1/4 inch pistol grip stock with ventilated rubber recoil pad, raised cheekpiece, and checkered grip and forearm,
the latter with lever latch. The underside of the butt with blank silver initial escutcheon and sling mount, the corresponding sling mount on the underside of the barrels. Weight 14
lbs. 13.6 oz. In a brass cornered fitted leather case lined in green baize, the lid with large Holland & Holland printed trade label and “Paradox” loading instructions.
CONDITION: Barrels retaining 90% rebrowned finish, tube signatures legible but worn. Action and rebounding back action locks brushed bright, scroll engraving clear but heavily softened, hammers,
trigger guard and underlever reblued with worn engraving. Well-figured pistol grip stock, refinished, well-defined checkering, later ventilated rubber recoil pad. Mechanically very good. Case with
external age related discoloration, relined and refitted to the gun, the main trade label incomplete, the loading instructions label with a patch of wear. No compartment lids.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000