November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Circa 1928 this fine pair of 12 bore shotguns with 28" chopper lump barrels, ejectors, smooth game concave ribs with numbers "1" and "2" in gold at breech end of ribs and steel front bead sights. Ribs read "J.PURDEY & SONS. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET.LONDON." "MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID PRESSED STEEL". Barrel flats stamped Nitro Proof. 2 - 1/2" (for chamber length) and 1 - 1/8 (for load). Bottom of barrels are both stamped "SS" (Stan Simons), serial numbers and tube numbers (A/1) 58664/58665 (B/2) 58666/58667. Chokes are (A/1) Improved Modified and Improved Cylinder. (B/2) Improved Modified and Improved Cylinder. The shiny blacked trigger guards have serial number on long tang. Attractive, marbled/smoky flame figured European walnut cast off stocks with finely checkered English straight grips. Buttstock measures 15” over checkered wood butt. Classic drop points are behind locks, and the closely spaced point pattern checkering wraps over top of grips. Gold initial oval which is engraved “DD” in fancy shaded script. Matching splinter forend with Anson release has actioner's initials "M.T" (believed to be Maurice Timbers). Case colored although now gray patina actions are engraved with nicely cut Purdey house style rose and scroll, as originated in the 1890’s by James Lucas. “J. Purdey & Sons” is on each lockplate as well as on bottom of action over “London”. Actions are built with set disc strikers, cocking indicators, blacked top levers numbered "1" and "2", slide safe "SAFE" in gold and double triggers. Guns come in a very nice Purdey makers oak and leather case with oil bottle and turnscrews. CONDITION: Very good. (A/1) Barrels retain 95% black most likely benefiting from a prior reblack. Barrels with some light handling marks. Stock in fine condition with some handling and rub marks (small impression on top left horn) perhaps benefiting from a prior restock. Forend with several light handling marks. Action has lost much of its original case colors and now shows approximately 30/40% colors. Action is mechanically sound being tight on face, crisp triggers and ejectors are well timed. (B/2) Barrels retain 95% black most likely benefiting from a prior reblack. There is some visible wear at muzzle, under forend, and some minor marks from usage. Stock is very good with some slight handling marks. The stocks current configuration and condition shows that it could be benefiting from a properly executed restock. Forend is very good with slight handling marks. Action has lost most of its case coloring and is now down to approximately 10% of its original color. Action is mechanically fine with ejectors timed well, crisp triggers and is on face. Case is in fine condition with some wear from storage. Very nice set. CP
Barrel Wall Thickness
(A/1) (L) .023 (R) .024 (B/2) (L) .024 (R) .024
Choke
(A/1) (L) .029 (R) .009 (B/2) (L) .029 (R) .007
Drop at Comb
(BOTH) 1 - 1/2"
Drop at Heel
(BOTH) 2 - 1/8"
Internal Bore Diameter
(A/1) (L) .734 (R) .733 (B/2) (L) .735 (R) .735
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Purdey
Paperwork
Information from Purdey and Previous Retail Listing
Weight
(A/1) 6 Lbs. 6 oz. (B/2) 6 Lbs. 4 oz.
Serial Number
(A/1) 23951 (B/2) 23952