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Similar example pictured and described
in Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The
Definitive History by Dallas
Some of the historical details reported in the 2004 article are incorrect; for
those details, please see Harlow’s articles in “The Vintage Gun Journal” in
January-March of 2022 and available on their website.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall. 95% plus of the period factory
refurbished finish remains on the barrels which display a few small patches
of loss and staining. The remaining metal exhibits beautiful French gray,
exceptionally crisp designs, and minor patination. The wood is equally fine
overall with stunning figure on the butt, crisp checkering, and minimal
light handling and storage marks and spots. Mechanically excellent. The
case and outer are very good with mild age and storage related wear. The
accessories, some absent, are generally very fine with minimal wear from
age. This is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a historically and
artistically significant J. Purdey & Sons double rifle exhibited in Purdey’s
award winning display at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1878 and
the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879 and subsequently purchased
by the 3rd Baron Keane. The remainder of Baron Keane’s incredible Purdey
exhibition guns remain today in the gunroom at Sandringham House, one
of King Charles III’s two privately owned residences which the Royal Family
continues to use as a sporting and country estate.
Provenance: The Baron Keane Collection; J.D. “Buck” Buchanan;
The Dr. Earl J. Thee Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000