April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
(1829) 29 - 7/8" Twist barrels are fitted with Purdey's elevated rib engraved " I, PURDEY No 314 - 1/2 OXFORD STREET LONDON". Bottoms of barrels are stamped with serial number, London proofs, and "JP". Two plain pipes hold greenheart ramrod with brass head and tail with worm under cap. Patent breeches have platinum bands at breech ends, and vented platinum blow-outs. Breech iron with integral fences is nicely scroll engraved. Front spring locks are fitted with broad serpentine hammers with stylized dolphin heads. Locks have pivoting intercepting sears engraved "SAFETY" that engage notches on bottoms of hammers at half cock. These are part of Wyatt's patent of 1818 found on many early Purdey guns and rifles. This specification also covered a grip safety which locked triggers in forward position until squeezed. This gun is also so equipped. Locks are engraved with sprays of very well cut open scroll and "PURDEY". Trigger plate has stylized pineapple finial, central area is engraved with a seashell. Steel trigger guard with scroll on bow has serial number engraved at very rear behind mounting screw. Very finely marbled and nicely figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/8" over steel buttplate with long engraved top strap. Flat top checkering is at grip, and a silver truncated rectangle, devoid of any engraving, is at top of grip. Stock attaches to barrels with usual captive side bolt through oval silver escutcheons. CONDITION: Very good to fine, original. Barrels retain most of their original brown, silvering and lightening from normal hand wear at rear with area of pitting most likely resulting from some early owner laying his bloodied thumb over top of barrels. Breech iron and locks retain a considerable amount, perhaps 30 - 40%, original case hardening color. Traces of original blue are on trigger guard bow. Stock retains most of its original hand rubbed oil finish with added oil as maintenance over the years, and with a large number of scattered marks and dings. Stock is sound. Bores are excellent with some scattered pitting toward muzzle ends. Locks are crisp. Safety mechanisms work. This fine gun, with no apologies to make, would undoubtedly make a good shooter. MGM 97.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .039 (R) .039
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .675 (R) .676
Length of Pull
14 - 1/8" cast about 1/4 on
Model
Percussion Side by Side