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LOT 1465
Scarce Factory Engraved Daniel Fraser Falling Block Single Shot Takedown Rifle
with Book - Serial no. 2260, 303 British cal., 26 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. Manufactured prior to 1896 according to Nigel Brown’s “British
Gunmakers Volume Two: Birmingham, Scotland & the Regions”. The rifle was built
with a blued steel barrel featuring a hooded white beaded blade island front
sight, island rear sight base with attractive filler block showing rampant lions and
Gothic “SG” initials, “DANl FRASER & Co./GUN & RIFLE MANUFACTURERS/4 LEITH
St. TERRACE EDINBURGH” signed on the top, and correct period London proof
marks. The barrel is fitted to casehardened falling block action which displays near full
coverage fine scroll engraving on all side surrounding “FRASER’S PATENT/No. 287” on the bridge, before
continuing onto the triggerguard, lever, and both tangs. The rifle features a tang mounted automatic safety
with attractive “SAFE” indicator and a stock mounted Lyman pattern folding rear peep sight. The rifle is fitted
with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered forend with a carved horn tip and an engraved Deeley
type release as well as a pistol grip stock with horn grip cap, raised cheekpiece, gold stock escutcheon with “CC”
initials and a coronet, filler block in place of the sling stud, and a checkered horn buttplate. Included is a copy of
Jonathan Kirton’s “The British Falling Block Breechloading Rifle From 1865” which lists examples five serial numbers before
and after this rifle as well as pictures multiple very similar rifles from the same time frame. Also included is a partial Fraser rear sight and an extra
firing pin in a wooden canister.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally
refurbished, retaining 95% blue finish,
strong traces of the original case colors
in the protected areas, a few small areas
of minor pitting, some minor spotting,
a few scratches in the wood, and crisp
checkering on the stock and forend.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1464
Antique Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons Self-
Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with
Case - Serial no. 12108, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This
gun was completed in 1885 according to page 194 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers:
The Definitive History”. The gun has fluid steel barrels featuring a single brass bead sight on the
smooth concave game rib which is signed “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET,
LONDON MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL” along with a “2”, flourish of scroll at the breech, period
London proof marks and 1977 dated reproof marks on the flats, and 2 1/2 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels
are fitted to the Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action which displays near full coverage classic Purdey rose & scroll
engraving surrounding “J. PURDEY & SONS.” signatures on either lockplate and “PURDEY’S/PATENT” on the underside with
carved Accanthus leaf fences. The gun features double triggers, raised rib cocking indicators, bushed firing pins, hidden third
fastener, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun is fitted with a lightly figured and
multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved forend iron and a beautifully figured straight hand stock with teardrop
carved drop points, blank inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Includes a period oak and leather takedown case. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the
breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .736 inches; choke constriction .020/.025 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.020 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel;
14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 9 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 98% re-blacked finish, attractive silver coloration on the action body and lockplates, minor handling evidence, and some dried
grease. There is a small crack at the behind the top tang and bottom of the stock head at the right side; otherwise, the wood is also very fine as refurbished with a few marks and sharp
checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with transit wear and an absent strap.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000