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The barrels are fitted to the massive brush bright finished
bolstered sideclipped Beesley self-opening sidelock
action with third fastener. The action is adorned with
fantastic deeply cut floral scroll engraving interspersed
with numerous elephant heads showing the scrollwork
erupting from their trumpeting trunks all over a fine
darkened background to create contrast. The engraving
surrounds “J. Purdey & Sons” signature banners on either
lockplate, deeply carved fences displaying the same
motif, “600/NITRO” in gold on the triggerguard, and the
serial number in gold on the lower tang. The engraving
is signed “Rashid El Hadi 90”on the left lockplate as
well as on the triggerplate for the master engraver
of that name who completed this fine work of art in
1990. The rifle features bushed firing pins, a right hand
rolled triggerguard, double triggers, raised rib cocking
indicators on the lockplates, bolted safety with gold
inlaid indicators on the extended top tang. The rifle is
fitted with a beautifully figured and double border multi-
point checkered forend with matching scroll engraved
brushed bright forend iron including the Anson button
release. The stock is of the same gorgeous figure and
features the same checkering, an engraved brushed
bright trapdoor grip cap, a shadowline cheekpiece, rear
sling swivel, blank gold inscription oval, and brushed
bright and engraved skeleton buttplate around the
checkered bare butt.
Included is a lovely oak and elephant hide takedown
case lined in red baize and containing a full compliment
of cleaning tools, turnscrews, snap caps, and an oiler. A
gorgeous case to match this outstanding rifle.
The makers have confirmed that this outstanding rifle
was completed in 1991 and also confirms the current
barrel length, caliber (listed as choke), stock length,
weight, skeleton buttplate, gold inscription oval, “old
silver” finish, and large scroll and scenes engraved by
Master Engraver R. L. Hadi.
Length of pull 14 3/4 inches. Weight 15 lbs. 1 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original
blue and brushed bright finishes with minor handling
evidence, some spots of dried grease on the action, a
few minor marks on the wood, and sharp fine checkering
on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. A great
opportunity to own a highly attractive sought after
example of a .600 Nitro Express, perfect for your next
elephant hunt!
Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection.
Estimate: 100,000 - 180,000