GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
VERY FINE J. PURDEY HAMMERLESS SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK UNDERLEVER DOUBLE RIFLE.PURDEYSXS DBL RIFLE173409.3x74RMODERN; C&R(1901) Cal. 9.3X74R. This scarce rifle with fewer than 450 hammerless rifles produced, was originally made for the 400/360 Purdey, and subsequently converted to 9.3 x 74R. It has 26" chopper lump bbls fitted with full length partially file cut rib. Central portion is engraved with Purdey name and Audley House address, and Whitworth steel information. A windage adjustable one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight is dovetailed through, and front portion is cut away forming slight ramp holding tall silver bead. A sight protector, SNed to this gun, is in place. Rear portion of rib has been drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Front base is still in place. Bbl flats are stamped with orig London nitro proofs for 40 grains of cordite and 300 grain bullet, as well as 1990 London re-proofs for 93X74, along with importers initials and address ("WRA Bozeman. MT"). SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls along with "G.A" (head bbl maker G. Aston). Tube nos "1550" and "1551" are on loop. A sling loop is soldered to bottom of rib. Case hardened, sidelock, self-opening, Beesley patent action with reinforcing bolsters and spring loaded Jones underlever features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold) which is fitted with pivoting bolt with BOLTED in gold. Rifle also features third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, engraved arrow tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with classic, well cut, Purdey house style rose and scroll. "J. Purdey & Sons" is at the bottom of each lockplate. Top strap is engraved "Patent". Bottom of action is engraved "Purdeys" "Patent". Scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang, which extends to engraved steel grip cap. Lightly figured and marbled, dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over Silver type pad. A sling loop matching that on bbl, and a silver oval engraved "H.G.H." are on toe line. Matching splinter forend with Anson release, is stamped with actioners initials "WN" (Wesley Nobbs). Drop at heel: approx 2-11/16", drop at comb: approx 2". Cast: approx 1/4" on. Weight: 9 lbs. 14 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain 80 - 85% what appears to be orig blue, thinning from normal hand wear, with a few splotches and marks. Action and lockplates retain over 80% of what appears to be their orig case hardening color, silvered on edges and beads. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish, sharp edges preserved, with a number of subsequent marks and scratches. Pins, grip cap, and triggers re-blued. Pad is new. Bores are very fine to excellent, shiny, strong rifling throughout, with a hint of erosion at breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Drop is good. A fine old Purdey rifle in a highly regarded, obtainable caliber. 51065-1 MGM280 (8,000-14,000)