(C) PRE-WAR J. PURDEY & SONS SLE SIDE BY SIDE 16 BORE SHOTGUN WITH CASE (1908).

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/12/2026

Circa 1908 per "James Purdey & Sons: Gun and Rifle Makers: Two Hundred Years of Excellence" by Dallas. Chopper lump barrels with a diminutive bead front sight on a solid, concave, narrowing game rib engraved "J. Purdey & Sons, Audley House, South Audley Street, London. Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth's Fluid-Pressed Steel". Engraved with a 3/4" triangle of acanthus scroll at the rear of rib, while the breeches are engraved with stiffleaf engraving. Underside of tubes with matching serial numbers, "37952" and "37953" tube numbers adjacent forearm loom, "S" behind forearm loop, discretely marked "W.H" for barrel maker Bill Hill, and with London nitro proofs on flat for a 16 gauge at 1 oz of shot. Splinter forearm with a reinforced Anson release, checkered in a point pattern with mullered borders about a central vacant diamond, engraved on exterior iron with fine scroll, interior with matching serial number and "WN" for actioner, Wesley Nobbs. Action flat with view proof marks and disc set strikers, engraved with traditional Purdey house rose-and-scroll, signed "J. Purdey & Sons" along bottom of locks. Arrowhead cocking indicators, double triggers, and an automatic safety with intaglio gold "SAFE" ahead of slide. Nicely figured walnut stock with teardrops behind locks, point pattern checkering with partial mullered borders about the straight grip, a silver vanity plate at toe line engraved "RM" and a waffle recoil pad with remnants of a leather wrap that obfuscates manufacturer information. Housed in an old brass tabbed leather wrapped case with a James Purdey trade label and a charge card in lid, lined in a wine cloth and containing accessories comprising two piece cleaning rod, three toothbrushes, an oil pot, pair jags, pair mops, pair brushes, and pair snapcaps, two handles, pair wallets containing brushes, pull-through, and 16 gauge cartridge extractor. CONDITION: Very good as carefully maintained over its lifespan. Barrels with the vast majority of their bluing, with some thinning to sharp edges, particularly at muzzles and breech, and scattered superficial handling marks. Action with traces of case color, with better retention towards the top of the locks, becoming grey towards carry point. Stocks with scattered handling marks and some softening, to checkering, but free of cracks or chips. Mechanically fine, bores excellent, bright and smooth, ejectors are strong and in time. Case with age related wear and darkening throughout, accessories with evidence of use and some scattered handling marks. A well proportioned small bore from one of Britain's Best makers.

CORRECTION: The Internal Bore Diameter is (L). 664 (R) .663.

Name

Value

Accessories

Case

Barrel Length

29"

Barrel Wall Thickness

(L) .031 (R) .030

Chamber

2 - 5/8"

Choke

(L) .021 (R) .006