GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
PURDEY 16 BORE HEAVY PROOF GAME GUN WITH ORIGINAL CASE. PURDEY SXS 23913 16 GA MODERN (1929) Cal. 16 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 28" Chopper lump Whitworth steel bbls are engraved with Purdey''s famous Audley House address and with steel type on narrow, concave game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-9/16" chambers and 1-1/8 oz of shot, as well as 2002 London re-proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with "CHOKE", SNs, and with bbl makers initials "WH" on left bbl (Bill Hill). Splinter is engraved "Made in England". Tube numbers "58911" and "58912" are on loop. Case hardened Beesley patent self-opening action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved in Purdey house style rose and scroll. "J. Purdey & Sons" is at lockplates and also on bottom of action over "London". Blued top lever and trigger guard are also scroll engraved. SN is at grip. Beautifully marbled and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-5/16" over russet colored leather covered pad over 9/16" hard rubber spacer. Stock features standard point pattern checkering, drop points, and a gold oval on toe line engraved with initials "B. F. S". Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Iron is stamped with actioners initial "N" (Wesley Nobbs). Bore diameter: left - .669, right -.668. Bore restrictions: left -.018 (Mod), right -.008 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.029, right -.034. Drop at heel: 2-13/16", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 6 lbs. 4 oz. LOP: 14-5/16". Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and circular central medallion, is embossed "Barbara Skouras" on top (matching initials on stock). Interior is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid, with paper instruction label and charge card for this gun. Case contains 2-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod with short handle, pair of old Purdey marked snap caps, along with a pair of new composition and brass snap caps. There are also relatively new Purdey marked turnscrew with horn handle with a matching striker key. Other accessories include a horn handled Hawksley marked chamber brush, square Purdey marked oil bottle, Purdey marked plated striker bottle with strikers, bone striker bottle with strikers, and a Purdey marked leather wallet with pull through cleaning kit. Covered compartment holds jag, broken case extractor, and sizing ring. A small blue Purdey marked bag contains another pair of snap caps, marked "London". PROVENANCE: Purdey letter stating gun was completed in 1929 for Mr. W. B. Curtis, confirming orig specifications and chokes. Invoice from Paul Hodgins for work performed; all in Purdey binder. Two copies of G&H letter with biographical information on William B. Curtis, and Barbara Skouras. Purdey game register and instruction booklet. Consignors notes. Lifelong Collection of Gentleman Collector Herbert Hyatt. CONDITION: Very fine, as refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of London quality re-black, engraving picked up. Action and lockplates retain approx 85% color re-hardening, subsequently silvered from normal hand wear. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish, checkering re-cut, new spacer and pad. Bores are excellent with some frosting in right bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Drop is good. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is considerably darkened with a number of scuffs and rubs, and has been stabilized with shellac. Old straps are good. New handle is excellent. Interior cloth is fine with considerable soiling and rubs from gun and bbls. Purdey label is excellent. Paper labels are somewhat foxed and lightly soiled. Partitions are good. Old accessories are good, new are excellent. 49896-30 MGM59 (12,000-17,000)