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LOT 1473
Factory Engraved Edward Lang Boxlock
Double Rifle in 450 Black Powder Express
with Scope and Case - Serial no. 1399, 450 Black
Powder Express cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Completed in
the 1880s, this rifle has chopperlump steel barrels
featuring a beaded blade front sight, two leaf (one
standing, one folding) rear sight, and German claw mounts holding a Kaps 4x36mm scope on
the matted flat solid rib, “EDWARD LANG.” and “89 WIGMORE St. LONDON.” signed on the left and
right respectively, period London proof marks on the flats, chambers with a single extractor, and
a screwgrip third fastener. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened Anson & Deeley boxlock action which is
marked with proof marks and patent information on the watertable and displays near full coverage scroll engraving
surrounding “EDWARD LANG” signatures on either side before continuing onto the triggerguard, “PATENT” marked toplever, and both tangs. The rifle features double
triggers, bushed firing pins, and a manual safety switch mounted on the lower tang at the rear of the triggerguard. The rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved forend iron
and underlever latch and a pistol grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, engraved steel grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling stud, blank silver inscription oval, and checkered and engraved steel buttplate. Includes a wood
and leather takedown case with maker’s label, 450 bullet mould serial numbered to the rifle, snap caps, oilers, funnel, and three turnscrews. Length of pull 14 1/2 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 7 oz. (without scope).
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% original black finish on the barrels with some scratches and spotting, 25% original case colors with the balance a fine silver patina, loss of blue on the triggerguard/lower tang, and overall light
handling evidence. The freshened wood is also very fine with a few minor marks mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with wear and a broken strap. Scope optics are clear and bright.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,500
LOT 1472
Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons
Back Action Hammer Double Rifle
in 450 Black Powder Express with
Case - Serial no. 11588, 450 Black
Powder Express cal., 28 inch solid rib
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle was completed
in 1883 according to page 194 of Donald Dallas’ Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The
Definitive History”. The rifle was built fluid steel chopperlump barrels featuring a
beaded blade front sight and a fixed notch rear sight with platinum centerline on
the hand filed flat solid rib which is signed “J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE,
SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON.”, front sling stud, period London proof marks on the flats, chambers with
a single extractor, and a hidden third fastener. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened hammer fired back
action which displays an early version of Purdey’s famous engraving of fine scroll surrounding rose bouquets. Developed by Purdey’s longest serving engraver,
James Lucus, in the 1870s. The engraving is exceptional and likely done by Mr. Lucus. “J. PURDEY & SONS” is engraved on either lockplate and continuing onto the hammers, triggerguard, toplever, and both tangs. The rifle features
rebounding hammers with bar safeties, gold washed firing pins, and double triggers. The rifle is fitted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved forend iron and a gorgeous pistol grip stock with
engraved steel grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling stud, blank silver inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Included is an oak and leather flat case with Purdey trade label, case straps, oiler, and some cleaning tools. Length of
pull 15 1/8 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% re-black on barrels, some minor subsurface pitting, strong traces of original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a fine silver patina, a tiny older chip
on the right edge of the forend, and crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with transit wear.
Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000
LOT 1471
Factory Engraved Westley Richards Bar-In-Wood Hammer Double Rifle in .577/.500
No. 2 Black Powder Express - Serial no. 12753, 500 No 2 Express cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., brown/
blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle was completed in 1876 according to Nigel Brown’s
“British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. The rifle was built with browned Damascus steel barrels featuring a
triangular blade front sight, three leaf (two folding, one standing) rear sight, sunken rib signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS 170 NEW BOND St.
LONDON HENRY’S PATENT RIFLING”, bolstered section of rib at the breech marked “RIFLE/PATENT/FOR No. 2 CASE”, front sling eye, correct
period Birmingham proofs on the flats, and chambers with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to the classic bar-in-wood action with Westley
Richard’s patented doll’s head rib extension and distinctive snap lever, one of the first successful toplever designs. The gun has traditional pinfire styled hammers, attractive scroll engraving,
“WESTLEY RICHARDS” signatures on either lockplate, and a lion engraved on the
triggerguard bow. The rifle was converted to centerfire, something W.R. & Co. did
often with their guns, and features bushed firing pins, non-rebounding hammers
with bar safeties, and double triggers. The rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured and
multi-point checkered forend with engraved forend iron with W. R. & Co.’s patented Deeley latch and a horn tip inlay
as well as a pistol grip stock with casehardened and engraved grip cap, raised cheekpiece, blank inscription oval,
rear sling eye, and engraved blued steel buttplate. Length of pull 14 1/4 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% brown finish, 90% black finish with some thinning
on the triggerguard, 60% original case colors with the balance a fine silver, minor handling evidence, and sharp
freshened checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000