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LOT 357
Cased Antique Engraved J. Purdey & Sons
Self-Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with Manhattan Project Connection - Serial no. 15406, 12 gauge, 29 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1895.
Blued Whitworth Fluid Steel chopper lump barrels with single steel bead sight on the smooth, concave solid rib marked “J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH
WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSURE STEEL.”, chambers measured at 2 1/2 inches with automatic ejectors, and standard London
proofs of the era. The casehardened self-opening action and sidelocks display near full coverage classic English rose and scroll engraving
which also extends to the trigger guard, upper and lower tangs, and release lever. The action features bushed firing pins, double triggers,
and tang mounted automatic safety switch. The number “2” is marked on the release lever, at the breech end of the barrel rib, the underside of the forend, and the watertable, suggesting
that this gun was built as part of a matched pair. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and Anson button release as well as a straight grip stock
with blank inscription oval and checkered bare butt. A consignor supplied letter states that this gun was originally owned by George Beach III who worked on the Manhattan Project as
well proximity fuze development at John Hopkins University. Includes a canvas bound takedown case, turnscrews, wooden cleaning rod, snap caps, and detached carry handle. Barrel and
stock measurements (R/L): bore diameters 9 inches from the breech both proved at 12 (.729 inches) and measured .732 inches; choke constriction both measure .000 inches; minimum wall
thickness .029/.026 inches; 1 15/16 inch drop at comb; 2 11/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 7 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% reblacked finish on the barrels, 75% case colors, some areas of minor spotting, and overall light handling evidence. The wood is very good with a repaired chip below the left lock, a slight crack coming off the left lock, scattered dings and scratches, and worn but well-defined checkering. The case has a broken strap and detached handle (included), otherwise good. Safety ineffective; otherwise mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 358
Antique Factory Engraved Stephen Grant Best Sidelock Sidelever Double
Barrel Shotgun - Serial no. 6354, 12 gauge, 29 inch solid rib bbl., blue/bright finish,
walnut stock. Manufactured in 1891 per page 109 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers: Volume One - London”. Blued steel chopper lump barrels with single brass bead sight on smooth,
concave solid rib which is marked “STEPHEN GRANT & SONS 6, LINCOLN’S
INN FIELDS, LONDON” and with some floral scroll at the breech end, single
bands at the breeches, 70 mm (2 3/4 inch) chambers with ejectors, and 1990 dated London nitro proofs on the flats. The bright sidelock, sidelever action displays nickel and nitre blue action pins,
extensive tight scroll engraving covering nearly the entire surface, with “STEPHEN GRANT & SONS” marked on either
lockplate. The gun features bushed firing pins, double triggers, beautifully carved fences, and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautifully figured, exhibition quality multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and Anson button release and straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats, blank inscription oval, and
checkered bare butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter 9 inches from the breech both proved at 18.6 mm (.732 inches) and measured at .731/.731
inches; choke constriction .036/.038 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.032 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs 13 oz. CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% blue finish on the barrels, attractive bright polished locks and action, nearly all of the nitre blue on the screws and pins, and 99% blue on the sidelever and lower tang. The replacement wood is excellent with a few tiny blemishes and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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