OC - FINE- all original parts; over 30% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

WW - WOOD IS WORSE FOR THE PERCENT FINISH RATING GIVEN

The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed as a pinfire in 1866 for Sir V. Brooke and described in the accounts ledger as a “A best finished 12 bore B.L. double gun (7245) with extra stout barrels for ball & long guard lever” for a cost of £60, the records note the charge for ball as 3 drams and that “the rib answers for 30 yds”. Sir Victor Brooke, 3rd Baronet of Colebrooke Park in Ireland, was a renowned hunter and naturalist. His extensive trophy collection displayed at Colebrooke Park which included many species of deer, an Irish elk, two tigers he had shot in India, a black panther and the tusks of an enormous elephant whose bones “…lay in mighty massiveness round the foot of the billiard table.”, once prompted Lord Craigavon, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, to christen the dining room “Golgotha”. This hammer gun has been converted during its working life to centerfire and also incorporates a Thomas Perkes patent ejector system (patent no. 12176 of September 8, 1887, use no. 659). With browned Damascus barrels with concave rib signed “J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON.” Rounded action with carved percussion fences, underlever forming the trigger guard and incorporating a grip safety, and rebounding back action locks each signed “PURDEY”. With fine classic English border and scroll engraving throughout. Well-figured 14" walnut stock with checkered grip and forearm and blued steel buttplate. London black powder and Birmingham nitro reproof marks. In fitted leather case lined in red baize, the lid with large J. Purdey printed trade label, the exterior of the lid with circular brass escutcheon engraved with the monogram “AV” and “ARMY AND NAVY CLUB”, with large Purdey nickel oiler. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection