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  • /Lot 459

Lot 459:Pair of J. Purdey & Sons Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns

August 23rd, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 459

Lot 459:Pair of J. Purdey & Sons Sidelock Double Barrel Shotguns

August 23rd, 2024|Bedford, TX
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Estimated Price$12,000 - $18,000
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Factory Engraved Pair of J. Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Single Trigger Sidelock Ejector Double Barrel Shotguns with Case

A) J. Purdey & Sons Sidelock Shotgun

James Purdey & Sons stand at the pinnacle of fine gunmaking, with a pair of their guns being a centerpiece of many collections of fine European arms. This pair of fine guns was manufactured in 1936 per information given on page 194 of Donald Dallas' "Purdey Gun and Rifle Makers: The Definitive History". Each gun in the pair was built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single white bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is signed "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." along with a flourish of scroll engraving and a "1" or "2", correct period London proofs, and chambers marked 2 5/8 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels of both guns are fitted to a casehardened Purdey patent self-opening sidelock action which displays highly attractive classic Purdey bouquet and scroll engraving extending to the triggerguard, toplever, and both tangs. The underside of the actions are signed "J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON/ENGLAND" and "J. PURDEY & SONS." signed on the lockplates. The guns feature bushed firing pins, nitre blued cocking indicators, single triggers, leather wraps at the rear of the triggerguards for comfort under recoil, and tang mounted automatic safeties with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicators. The guns are both mounted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved shoe and Anson button release and a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, gold inscription oval marked "MMB", and a leather covered recoil pad. Included is a nickel snap cap, a nickel oiler, four extra firing pins, a set of cleaning tools, and a factory supplied oak and leather takedown case that houses both guns and is marked "H. W. BREYER, JR./PHILADELPHIA." stamped over another illegible name as well as a pair of leather mutton leg cases, one of which is marked "M. M. B./PHILA., PA." on the exterior. Henry Breyer Jr. was son of the founder of the well-known Breyer Ice Cream Company and himself led the company for many years starting in 1934, possibly indicating that the guns were ordered as a gift at the time of his appointment to president of the company. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at "12" (.729 inches) and measured .735/.734 inches; choke constriction .010/.029 inches; minimum wall thickness .031/.031 inches; 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 2 7/16 inch drop at heel; 13 1/2 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 2 oz.

ConditionVery fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 90% blue finish on the barrels, fine grey patina on the triggerguard, and 80% of the muted case colors on the action. The barrels show some oxidation down the length along with some edge wear on the action. The re-checkered wood is very fine with sharp checkering, shortened, and some wear to the recoil pad. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with moderate storage/transit wear.
Details
ManufacturerPurdey J & Sons Ltd
ModelSxS
TypeShotgun
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Long Gun
Caliber / Gauge12
Barrel26 inch solid rib
Finishblue/casehardened
Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views2685
Catalog page426

B) J. Purdey & Sons Sidelock Shotgun

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at "12" (.729 inches) and measured .735 inches; choke constriction .009/.030 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.031 inches; 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; slight cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 3 oz.

ConditionVery fine as refurbished, retaining 95% plus blue finish on the barrels, 70% blue on the triggerguard, and nearly all of the muted case colors on the action. The barrels show some light spotting, a spot of oxidation on the safety switch, and some light edge wear on the action. The wood shows a few scattered dings and scratches and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A great chance to own a pair of fine English doubles!
Details
ManufacturerPurdey J & Sons Ltd
ModelSxS
TypeShotgun
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Long Gun
Caliber / Gauge12
Barrel26 inch solid rib
Finishblue/casehardened
Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views2685
Catalog page426
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