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LOT 1291
Cased Engraved James Purdey 16 Bore Percussion Double Rifle
- Serial no. 3646, 16 bore cal., 27 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/
blue finish, walnut stock. This double barrel rifle was sold in 1842 per the serial numbers on page 191 of “Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers:
The Definitive History” by Donald Dallas, and it is also listed in the serial number records on page 156 of “The Early Purdeys” by
L. Patrick Unsworth as a 16 bore double rifle with 28 inch barrels sold on July 30, 1842. The gun was owned by Sir Piers Mostyn,
8th Baronet of Talacre, (1811-1882) (see ball mold below). The Mostyn family’s Talacre estate was sold in 1919. The rifled barrels
have a flat rib fitted with a fixed beaded blade front sight, dovetailed two-leaf rear sight (80 yard standing and 120 yard folding)
with platinum sight lines, and “J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET, LONDON.” signed on top. The underside of the barrels have
London proof marks, “JP” maker’s marks, and the matching serial number. The matching serial number is repeated on the breech
hooks and the trigger guard tang. The casehardened breech plugs have platinum plugs and bands and engraving on the rib.
The casehardened lock plates are signed “PURDEY” below the nitre blued sliding safeties and have scroll and border engraving.
The mounts are blued and casehardened steel with scroll engraving. The walnut half-stock has checkering on the forend and
wrist, a casehardened round patch box, an elongated oval cheekpiece, sling stud on the underside, and a 14 1/2 inch length of
pull. The rifle comes in its original brass cornered mahogany case with baize lining, Purdey trade label, and a variety of loading
and maintenance equipment, including a Sykes flask, matching numbered 16 bore ball mold inscribed “Sir P. Mostyn/D.ble Rifle”,
starting mallet, and more. Includes Mr. Blank’s typed notes for this rifle.
CONDITION: Very fine with 80% plus original brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrels, some spots of oxidation, 75% plus original case colors with some minor
fading, 75% plus original bright blue finish on the trigger guard, strong original bright blue finish on the heel and smooth gray on the balance of the buttplate, and crisp engraving
and markings throughout. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and a few small flakes at the edges. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories
are fine with age and storage related wear. Overall, this is a very attractive and early Purdey double rifle originally owned by the 8th Baronet of Talacre.
Provenance: The Collection of the Baronets of Talacre; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
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