Lot 3454: Pair of Purdey 20 Bore Sporter Over/Under Shotguns with Case

The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed in August 2009 for a Mr. Hyman and was the first production 20 bore “Sporter” made (see included factory letter). It has blued barrels. The over barrel is signed “PURDEY LONDON” towards the breech on the left side. The raised solid file cut matted rib has a bead sight and the gold inlaid number “1”. The bright action is signed “PURDEY” on each side and on the underside and has a hold open toplever, automatic safety with engraved “SAFE”, detachable non-selective single trigger, and furniture comprising trigger guard and pistol grip cap. Fine scroll engraving is throughout. Import marked under the forearm. The figured pistol grip stock has carved drop points, checkered butt, grip and forearm; and a silver oval initial escutcheon engraved with the monogram “HH” on the underside of the butt. Includes a shared hard case, snap caps, and stripping tool. London nitro proof marks. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): chambers proved at 70 mm (2 3/4 inches); bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both proved at 15.7 mm (.618 inches) and measured .619/.618 inches; choke constriction .011/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .037/.036 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs 12 oz.

Excellent overall. The barrels retain nearly all of the original blued finish which is beginning to turn to a plum color. The action has crisp engraving. The stock has scattered minor storage and handling blemishes and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Of identical form to “A” but with gold inlaid "2". The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed in 2013 for Mr. Hyman and was made as the pair to the No.1 gun using a serial number reserved at the time the first gun was ordered (see included factory letter). London nitro proof marks. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): chambers proved at 70 mm (2 3/4 inches); bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both proved at 15.7 mm (.618 inches) and measured .620/.619 inches; choke constriction .010/.017 inches; minimum wall thickness .035/.034 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs 12 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Similar excellent condition to “A”. Mechanically excellent.