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LOT 3509
Phenomenal Factory S. J. Kelly Signed,
Engraved, and Gold Inlaid J. Purdey & Sons 20 Bore
the triggerplate to the right of the triggerguard. The gun features bushed firing pins, a single non-selective gold trigger, right hand rolled triggerguard, and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautiful highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend
Self-Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 29385, 20 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Known for outstanding craftsmanship, J. Purdey & Sons builds some of the finest guns in the world, and this gun is no exception. Blued steel chopperlump barrels with a single steel bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which shows a flourish of scroll at the breech, single bands of engraving at either breech, and “J. PURDEY & SONS.” and “AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND.” marked on the left and right barrels respectively. The under rib shows an importer’s mark beneath the forend and the barrel flats are stamped with correct 1992 dated London nitro proof marks including the 70mm (2 3/4 inch) chambers which feature selective ejectors. The coin finished self-opening sidelock action displays fantastic Purdey large scroll engraving overall a matted background covering the entirety of the action and lockplates surround gold inlaid “J. PURDEY & SONS” on either lockplate and simple “J. PURDEY & SONS./LONDON./ENGLAND.” on the underside. The fences show relief cut floral scroll over a matted background with broad scroll on the toplever, triggerguard, and tangs, the lower of which is inlaid with the serial number
290 in gold. The engraving was carried out by highly regarded engraver S. J. Kelly, who has signed
with coin finished engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and pistol grip stock with teardrop carved flats, coin finished engraved grip cap, “LY” inlaid in gold directly into
the stock, and a checkered bare butt. Included with this fantastic gun is a wood and leather takedown case with canvas cover and factory label and data sheet on the lid containing two ebony snap caps, a pair of extra firing pins, cleaning tools, and a full set of turnscrews. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 15.6mm (.614 inches) and measured at .620/.616 inches; choke constriction .015/.018 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.035 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; cast-off: weight 5 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with limited handling evidence, a few minor marks in the wood concentrated at the heel, some light varnish loss/fading on the left side of the stock, and sharp checkering on the forend and stock. The case is excellent as are the full compliment of accessories. Mechanically excellent. This is a chance to own a gun from one of the best makers in the world!
Estimate: 45,000 - 70,000