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Extremely Scarce J. Purdey & Sons Double Barrel Self Opening Trap Shotgun from the Malcolm King Collection
LOT 1374
Fine & Rare Engraved J. Purdey & Sons 12 Bore Double Barrel Single Trigger Self Opening Sidelock Ejector Trap Shotgun with Case - Serial no. 23957, 12
gauge, 32 inch vent rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The makers have kindly confirmed that this rare gun was completed on December 3, 1929, for Z.G. Simmons Jr. with 32 inch Whitworth Steel
barrels with ventilated matted rib with two sights, action with third bite, clip sides, and manual safety.
The blued chopperlump barrels are respectively
signed “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH
AUDLEY STREET, LONDON” and “MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID
PRESSED STEEL,” and each is engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end. The barrels are fitted with
interchangeable Teague chokes both marked “1/4”. The raised ventilated matted rib has two bead sights. The casehardened side-clipped treble grip action has a blued toplever, blued
removable firing pin discs, and manual safety catch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. The casehardened locks are each signed “J. PURDEY & SONS”. The trigger plate
has a single trigger mechanism. Features a blued trigger guard and pistol grip cap. The underside of the barrels and water table have London nitro proof marks and Birmingham nitro reproof
marks dated 2003. The rear lump also engraved “MADE IN ENGLAND,” and the bottom of the rib under the forearm is
import marked. The well-figured pistol grip stock and beaver tail forearm are checkered, the stock has a leather covered
recoil pad, and the forearm has an Anson push button release. With canvas and leather outer cover. In leather lightweight
fitted case lined in red baize, lid with gilt lettered black leather Purdey trade label. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L):
chambers proved at 2 3/4 inches; bore diameter 9 inches from
the breech both proved at 18.6 mm (.732 inches) and both measured .736
inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.025 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 1 13/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 8 lbs 7 oz.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrels retain nearly 100% reblued finish and have softened signatures. The action and locks retain 60% original faded casehardened finish. The trigger
plate and trigger guard have been replaced, and the guard retains 60% blued finish and has a worn patch on the tang. Converted to single trigger. It is expertly restocked to near as new condition with just a few minor storage and handling marks. The case is of recent manufacture, possibly from the makers, and is in near new condition.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 15,000 - 22,500
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