October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
(1950) Very few of these delightful little guns have been made. Purdey records indicate that six were made before World War II, and 18 after the War, until 1982. Most had 26" barrels. This gun has 28" chopper lump barrels with unusual slightly raised ventilated rib with ivory beads. Tops of barrels are engraved "J. Purdey & Sons." and "Audley House South Audley Street. London. England." Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 3" chambers and 9/16 oz shot. Bottoms of barrels are stamped "CHOKE", and with serial numbers. Barrel makers initials "AH" (Alf Harvey) are on bottom of left barrel. Tube numbers "64005" and "64006" are on loop. Specially scaled down Beesley patent self opening sidelock action (.862 between firing pins, 1.8" overall height, and 1.57" wide) features non-automatic safety, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and single non-selective trigger. Action is engraved with nicely cut Purdey house style rose and scroll, as originated in the 1890's by James Lucas. "J. Purdey & Sons" is on each lockplate as well as on bottom of action over "London". Small bow trigger guard has serial number on tang, which extends to hard rubber grip cap. Attractive, very finely marbled and nicely flame figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 15" over checkered wood butt. Classic drop points are behind locks, and closely spaced point pattern checkering wraps over top of grip. Matching beavertail ejector forend with Anson release has actioners initials "MT" (Maurice Timbers) on iron. Gun is housed in its original brown leather motor case with brown canvas leather trimmed outer cover, both embossed "P. D. H." Interior is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid, along with paper charge label with specifications for this gun. Accessories include a two piece cleaning rod and a pair of snap caps. CONDITION: Excellent, original, as found. Barrels retain over 90% original blue fading overall, with some light marks, mostly from contact with forend. Action retains 60-70% original case hardening color fading on bottom, silvered on beads and high edges. Lockplates retain over 90% of their color. These percentages are somewhat difficult to determine due to darkened protective lacquer. Trigger guard shows discoloration at grip from normal hand wear. Blue possibly renewed many years ago. There are a few light marks and scratches in original finish of stocks with some noticeable deeper marks on left side of butt. Checkering lightly worn. Bores are excellent, but show a bit of leading. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Ejectors are in time. Trigger appears to work well. Case leather is excellent with a few very light marks as protected by its outer cover, which shows fading, a few scuffs, and some minor tears at top portion at left. Interior cloth is very fine with some rubs and marks. Purdey label is excellent. Charge label is somewhat soiled and foxed. Just a wonderful little gun! MGM6.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(BOTH) .040
Internal Bore Diameter
(At muzzles) (R) .389 (L) .382
Length of Pull
15" cast about 5/8" off
Manufacturer
J. Purdey & Sons