GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
ANTIQUE PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN WITH UNUSUAL DOG AND BIRD ENGRAVING WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES. PURDEY SXS 15572 12 GA MODERN (1896) Cal. 12 ga. 2-1/2" Chambers. 27" Dovetailed bbls are engraved with Purdey''s Audley House London address on narrow, game rib along with "Barrels by J. Roberts & Son." Bbl flats are stamped with 1979 London nitro proofs for 2-1/2" chambers. SN is engraved on bottom of right bbl. Coin finished, Beesley patent self-opening, sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), arrow engraved tumbler end cocking indicators, bushed strikers, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Action and lockplates are engraved with an unusual pattern of small shaded scroll with a few scattered rose bouquets surrounding vignettes of dogs and game. Left lockplate has running spaniel at rear, and a pair of flying ducks in central scene. Right lockplate depicts a retriever at rear contemplating a pair of grouse (?) in central medallion. Bottom of action shows a pair of rabbits, and a pigeon sits on a branch on trigger plate extension. "J. Purdey & Sons" is on each lockplate. The no. "1" (also engraved on rear of rib and on forend iron) is on blued top lever. Trigger guard bow is engraved with three pheasants. SN is at grip. Well streaked and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over checkered wood butt, and features classic drop points, point pattern checkering and vacant gold oval on toe line. Splinter ejector forend has Anson release, and matches well, with the exception that checkering is a bit coarser. Iron is stamped with actioners initial "H" (Fred Hughes). Bore diameter: left - .730, right -.729. Bore restrictions: left -.010 (lt mod), right -.005 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.030, right -.031. Drop at heel: 2-3/16", drop at comb: 1-9/16. Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". Makers oak and leather case with shaped brass corners and circular central medallion, is gold embossed "L. M. D." on top. Case includes its leather trimmed canvas outer cover, painted with matching initials. Interior is lined in scarlet cloth, and has small paper Purdey label in lid. Bottom is semi-french fitted for gun, and a number of what appear to be orig accessories with ebonized walnut handles, including a pair of turnscrews, striker key, wad rammer, and roll crimping tool. Other accessories include ebony handled shot dipper, short half of 2-pc cleaning rod, and Purdey marked ebony cleaning block. Also included is a brass shot measure with sliding stop, round newly made Purdey marked pewter oil bottle, an old glass bottle with pewter top with green label of "Special Lock Oil" by Boss, and a pair of Purdey marked snap caps. PROVENANCE: Factory letter stating gun was completed in 1896, as the no "1" gun of a pair, originally having 30" Whitworth bbls. It was also noted that it was "engraved dogs and birds". Invoice from Alfred Gallifent with list of work performed, mostly on ejectors, totaling over $6900.00. Lifelong Collection of Gentleman Collector Herbert Hyatt. CONDITION: Fine, as refurbished. Bbls retain over 95% of their orig black. Action has been cleaned to coin finish, engraving on locks and sides of action somewhat softened. Engraving on bottom appears to have been picked up. Newer buttstock retains most of its orig hand rubbed oil finish, checkering is excellent. Forend retains nearly all of an oil refinish. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather has considerably darkened and has some staining and minor rubs. Outer cover is good, considerably soiled. Interior cloth is fair, with a number of deep compressions, some rubs through, soiling, and rearrangement of partitions. Label is considerably foxed and spotted. Accessories are fine. 49896-21 MGM63 (8,000-12,000)