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LOT 1478
Stunning Factory Master Philippe Grifnee Signed, Deep Relief
Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Pair of J. Purdey & Sons
20 Gauge Hand Detachable Sidelock Over/Under Shotguns
-A) J. Purdey & Sons Over/Under Shotgun - Serial no. 29833,
20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brushed bright/gold finish,
walnut stock. For over 200 years the name James Purdey & Sons has
been synonymous with quality, class, and an unwavering pursuit of
excellence. This stunning pair is a glowing example of Purdey’s work
and makes it clear how they have earned their reputation and their
seat at the highest table in the art of gunmaking. The pair exhibits
timeless and tasteful embellishment that would not only be at home
in any collection of fine European arms but also perfectly balanced
tools afield chasing all manner of game.
Each gun in the pair is built with blued steel bifurcated lump barrels
featuring a single bead sight on the matted flat solid rib which
is marked with a gold inlaid “1” or “2” set into a flourish of leaves
indicating its place in the set and a single band of engraving at the
breech which continues forward for the length of the chamber.
The barrels are both marked “J. Purdey & Sons - London - England -”
along the left side of the upper tube and bear London nitro proof
marks dating to 2000 (“MM”) which indicate 2 3/4 inch chambers,
themselves featuring automatic ejectors.
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