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LOT 3451
Highly Attractive Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons Self-Opening
Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial no.
25477, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., black/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Completed circa 1937 according to page 194 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun and
Rifle Makers: The Definitive History”. James Purdey & Sons has long been one of the
world’s premier makers of fine arms building only guns and rifles of the highest
quality. This gun was built with black steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single
brass bead sight on the raised matted solid rib, “J. PURDEY & SONS.” and “AUDLEY
HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.” engraved on the left and right tubes respectively, a
single band of engraving at the breech, “MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTHS FLUID PRESSED STEEL” marked on the under rib, period London nitro
proof marks on the flats, chokes marked full, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened Beesley patent self-
opening sidelock action which displays near full coverage classic Purdey bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding “J. PURDEY & SONS.” signatures
on either lockplate and “J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON/ENGLAND” on the underside. The gun features bushed firing pins, a hidden third fastener, clipped
fences, double triggers, ribbed cocking indicators on either lockplate, and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The gun
is fitted with a stunningly well-figured and multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved black iron and case colored Anson
button release as well as a round semi-pistol grip stock featuring teardrop carved drop points, “DJG” in the gold
inscription oval, and a checkered butt. Includes a second matching numbered 30 inch set of 12 gauge barrels.
Also included is a maker’s leather flat case with canvas cover marked “DJG” and factory data sheet on interior
lid containing a spare small parts, oiler, snap caps, and a cleaning rod. Barrel measurements for the
extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at “12” (.729 inches) and
measured .735/.733 inches; choke constriction.032/.02 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.028
inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both
proofed at “12” (.729 inches) and measured .735/.737 inches; choke constriction .042/.042 inches;
minimum wall thickness .028/.029 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 9/16 inch drop at heel; 14
7/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 8 lbs. 5 oz.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% deep black and
casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and
forend. Mechanically excellent. The case has an absent lid escutcheon but is otherwise very fine
with light storage/transit wear. The extra barrel set is exceptionally fine. A great chance to own a
classic English double!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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