October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
(1968) 26" chopper lump barrels are engraved "J. Purdey & Sons. Audley House. South Audley Street. London. England." on narrow swamped game rib. Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2 - 3/4" chambers. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with serial numbers and barrel makers initials "J.A" (Jack Aldous). Tube numbers "68429" and "68430" are on loop. Scaled down coin finished self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and single non-selective trigger. Trigger blade is deeply hooked. Action is engraved with very finely cut and shaded semi-relief scrolling acanthus interspersed with thistle leaves and heads of mythological beasts, in a design originated by Ken Hunt, whose signature appears on trigger plate, and is known as his "thistle pattern". In this rendition the thistle blooms and stems are in raised relief gold. "J. Purdey & Sons" and "London - England" are on sides of action above and below lockplate mortises. Makers name is also on scrolled riband on bottom of action above a trio of thistle blooms which are not rendered in gold. Small bow, single beaded trigger guard has gold inlaid semi-relief scene of a woodcock flying through alder branches. Serial number is in oval on tang. The work on this gun represents some of Ken's famous work, at its best. Nicely fiddle figured and lightly marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 3/8" over checkered wood butt, and features classic drop points and point pattern checkering at grip. A gold oval on toe line is engraved with monogram "FAS" (?) in script. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Actioners initials "T.B" are on iron. Gun comes in its original oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion embossed "FLOYD S. ADAMS". Interior is lined in burgundy cloth and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid along with charge card for this particular gun. The usual complement of accessories are included: pair of turnscrews, striker key, striker bottle with spare strikers, square oil bottle, snap caps, and cleaning equipment. CONDITION: Excellent, very close to "as new", with scant evidence of having been fired since proof, with only a few of the very lightest assembly and handling marks in all wood and metal surfaces. Mechanically excellent. Case leather is excellent with only a very few minor marks. Straps and handle are very fine. Interior is excellent with one or two minor rubs, and a bit dusty. Accessories are excellent. An exceptional fine small bore Purdey gun, embellished by a world renown master. MGM49.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(BOTH) .025
Choke
(L) .023 (Modified) (R) .005 (Imp. Cyl.)
Internal Bore Diameter
(BOTH) .662
Length of Pull
14 - 3/8" Neutral cast.