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LOT 468
Antique Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons Jones Underlever Self-Opening Sidelock
Double Rifle in .303 British with Case - Serial no. 15751, 303 British cal., 25 1/2 inch solid
rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Built in 1896 according to the information given on page
194 of Donald Dallas’s “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History”. The rifle has blued Whitworth Fluid Pressure steel barrels featuring a blade
foresight and platinum centerlined three-leaf (one standing, two folding) rear sight regulated for 100, 200, and 300 yards on the hand filled solid rib which is engraved
“J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON./MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID-PRESSURE STEEL” ahead of the rear sight. The barrels also feature the
front sling swivel, scroll engraving on the rib extension, and period London proof
marks indicating a load using 37 grains of Rifleite. The barrels are fitted to the
casehardened bolstered sideclipped Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action with
Jones underlever, a rarely encountered combination. The action displays highly attractive classic
Purdey bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding “J. PURDEY & SONS” signatures on either lockplate
and “PURDEY/PATENT” on the underside before spilling over onto the trigger guard, both tangs, and
the underlever. The rifle features bushed firing pins, cocking indicators with engraved arrows on either lockplate,
double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic bolted safety with gold inlaid indicators. The rifle is fitted with
an attractively figured and double line border multi-point checkered semi-beavertail forend with matching
engraved iron and Anson button pushrod release. The pistol grip stock is gorgeously figured and features the same
checkering, teardrop carved drop points, casehardened and matching engraved grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece,
blank silver inscription oval, and a checkered bare butt. Included is a leather flat case with the initials “F.F.H.” on the
lid containing a factory trade label, oiler, cleaning rod with heads, and a set of turnscrews with rosewood handles.
Length of pull 14 1/2 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 6 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% original black finish on the barrels with some areas of thinning and minor
spotting, strong traces of the original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a fine silvered patina, some areas of dried grease, and overall light
handling evidence. The replacement wood is also very fine with a few minor marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Handle and straps absent; otherwise, the case is very good. Do not miss out on this chance to
own this fine double rifle in a scarcely encountered configuration!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
LOT 467
Factory Game Scene Engraved Westley Richards
“Lightweight” .577 Black Powder Express Dangerous
Game Ejector Double Rifle - Serial no. 15038, 577 BPE cal., 26 inch solid rib
bbl., brown/blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured circa 1893
according to page 128 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”.
Built with browned Damascus steel barrels
featuring Metford rifling, Westley Richards’
patent doll’s head extension, a scroll engraved
ramped blade foresight with triangle flip-up
moonsight, front sling swivel, two-leaf (one folding, one standing) rear sight regulated to 100
and 250 yards on a raised scroll engraved island on the Westley Richards “low top rib”, and
Deeley patent ejectors. The barrel is signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS 178 NEW BOND St. LONDON.
FOR 3(over stamped) INCH TAPER CASE 577 CORDITE 75 GRs CORDITE. 650 GRs NICKEL
BULLET.” on the sunken portion of the rib and shows period Birmingham proofs on the flats
for the more standard loading. The barrels are fitted to the Anson & Deeley boxlock action which
displays highly attractive scroll engraving surrounding “WESTLEY RICHARDS” signature
banners on either side and an engraved elephant on the floorplate. The scroll then flows off
of the action onto the Westley Richards patent snaplever, the trigger guard, which shows
an engraved tiger, and both tangs. The rifle features removable firing pins, double triggers,
and automatic tang mounted bolted safety with gold inlaid indicators. The rifle is fitted with
a beautifully figured and double line bordered multi-point checkered splinter forend with
engraved iron, Deeley latch release, and Westley Richard patent Deeley ejector box as well as a pistol grip stock with
checkered and teardrop carved flats, an engraved blued grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, blank inscription oval, rear sling swivel, and Silver’s type recoil pad. Length of pull 14 13/16 inches. Weight 10 lbs.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally refurbished, showing 95% brown finish, 90% blue finish with loss at the lower tang, attractive silver patina on the action, light discoloration on the replacement recoil pad, and sharp
checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. A great chance to own a lovely example of an English dangerous game double rifle!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
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