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LOT 506
Factory Engraved J. Purdey &
Sons Self-Opening Sidelock Double
Barrel Ejector Shotgun with Case
and Factory Letter Owned by Early
Aviator Comte Jacques de Lesseps -
Serial no. 20,228, 12 gauge, 29 1/2 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. Blued chopper lump barrels with a single steel bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is
marked J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S
FLUID PRESSURE STEEL.”, 1 1/8 oz. (2 1/2 inch) chambers, and a single band of engraving at either breech with a small
floral wedge on the base of the rib. The casehardened self-opening sidelock action displays beautifully executed
Purdey bouquet & scroll engraving with “J. PURDEY & SONS.” signatures on either lockplate as well as on the
underside of the action. The gun features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety
switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Wonderful, highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings,
including the Anson button release, and straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats, inscription oval bearing a
family crest, and leather covered recoil pad. Included is a Purdey factory letter listing the measurements and features when the
gun was completed for Comte Jacques de Lesseps of Paris, France, on July 31, 1912. It also notes that the gun was sent out in 1911 for the season, then returned to be finished after the season had concluded. Jacques de Lesseps was a pioneer in aviation and the first man to take aerial photograph of the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, Canada. He died in an accident along with his flight engineer in October, 1927 whilst photographing the Gaspe Peninsula. Also included is the original oak and leather takedown case, two snap caps, cleaning rod, cleaning kit, oiler, turn screws, and leather forend cover. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved
at 12 (.729 inches) and both measured .737 inches; choke constriction .019/.035 inches; minimum wall thickness .022/.023 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 15 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% plus original blue finish, traces of original case colors in the protected areas, some areas of rubbing in the finish, and overall light handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with a few small dings and scratches, some flaking on the leather recoil pad, and sharp checkering. The case is very good with moderate wear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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