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LOT 3490
Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons Jones Underlever Self-Opening Non-Ejector Sidelock
Double Rifle in .450 Black Powder Express - Serial no. 13200, 450 Black Powder Express cal., 27
13/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle was
completed in 1888 per the information on page 194 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun
& Rifle Makers: The Definitive History” and was purchased by Norman R. Blank from
Pasadena Gun Shop Inc. on October 10th, 1957. The rifle has blued barrels featuring
a blade front sight, fixed notch rear sight with folding second leaf, front sling stud,
period London black powder proof marks on the flats, and “J. PURDEY & SONS.
AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON.” signed on the solid top rib. The
barrels are fitted to a casehardened Jones Underlever sidelock action which has
elaborate relief carved fences and is covered with fine classic Purdey bouquet and
scroll engraving surrounding “J. PURDEY & SONS” signatures on either lockplate and
“PURDEY’S/PATENT” on the underside. The rifle features bushed firing pins, cocking
indicators, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety and bolted safety, both with gold
inlaid indicators. The rifle is fitted with a figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with
engraved fittings including the Anson button release and a pistol grip stock with casehardened and
engraved grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, blank silver inscription oval, and a checkered
steel buttplate which is inscribed “CHARGE/4 DRAMS No. 6 POWDER.” Length of pull 14 3/8 inches.
Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz.
LOT 3491
Factory Engraved J. Purdey Underlever Back Action Hammer Double Rifle in .500 Black Powder
Express - Serial no. 8129, 500 Black Powder Express cal., 29 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. This rifle was completed in 1869 according to the included collection notes from Norman R.
Blank, which also list the below configuration. The rifle was purchased by Mr. Blank from Martin B. Retting,
Inc. on February 19th, 1957, and the receipt is included. The rifle was built
with browned Damascus steel barrels featuring a blade front sight and a
four leaf (one standing, three folding) rear sight on the flat smooth solid
rib which is signed “J. PURDEY, 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET, LONDON”, a front
sling swivel, and period London black powder proof marks on the flats. The
barrels are fitted to the casehardened sideclipped underlever back action
which displays highly attractive scroll engraving surrounding “PURDEY”
signatures on the lockplates which feature non-rebounding hammers with
individual half-cock safeties and double triggers. The rifle is fitted with a
beautifully figured French walnut forend with engraved fittings and a sliding
key fastener as well as a straight grip stock with raised cheekpiece, rear sling
stud, blank inscription oval, and a checkered steel buttplate which is inscribed “CHARGE/4 dms No. 6 POWDER.”
Length of pull 14 3/8 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 7 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 90% brown finish on the barrels, 30% case colors
with the balance a fine silvered patina, some light handling evidence, some minor oxidation on the barrels, and
sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: Martin B. Retting, Inc.; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
300