October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
(1877) Although Purdey's was at the forefront of the development of double rifles during the late percussion years, they later concentrated on shotguns. Of the over 3,200 center fire guns and rifles built by Purdey's between 1860 and 1879 only 312 were double rifles. The ten to one ratio decreased further during later production, of the total of approximately 18,000 pieces produced between 1880 and 2014; Only about 800 were double rifles, 327 were hammer rifles. This well preserved specimen made just before 1880, is a prime example of Purdey's famous quality. It has 29" fine Damascus barrels with ten groove rifling fitted with full length slightly raised rib. Rear portion of rib behind one standing, three nested folding leaf express rear sight is file cut. Middle portion of rib is unmatted and engraved "J. Purdey 314 1/2 Oxford Street, London". Area around silver bead front sight is also file cut. Barrel flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 27 bore. Serial numbers are stamped on the bottoms of both barrels, and barrel makers initials "EM" (E Meers ?). "JP" is on loop. A sling eye is soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened, round bodied, lever over guard (Jones underlever), inert action has nicely filed fences and features an early use of side clips. Island back spring non-rebounding locks are fitted with round bodied serpentine hammers with stylized dolphin heads, as well as front sliding stalking safeties. Action and locks are engraved with 80% coverage exceptionally well executed small, but varying sized scroll, as most likely executed by head Purdey engraver, James Lucas. Top of action is engraved "Patent" and lockplates are engraved "Purdey". Blued trigger guard with checkered pistol grip extension has serial number at grip. A very unusual feature for English rifles, the front trigger is set. Striking fiddle figured and beautifully marbled dark and dense European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14" over Silver pad with widow's peak. Stock features typical Purdey thin double shadow line right hand cheekpiece, point pattern checkering at grip, and sling eye matching that on bottom of barrel, as well as a vacant silver oval, are on toe line. Matching splinter forend with decorative steel tip attaches to barrels with captive side bolt through engraved steel escutcheons. Drop at heel: approx. 2 - 3/8". Drop at comb: approx. 1 - 11/16" . No cast. Weight: 10 lbs 11 oz. Rifle is housed in its original oak and leather case with brass corners and circular central medallion. Top of case is inked in "The Hon/ble C. W. Fitzwilliam". Interior is lined in scarlet cloth, and has original blue ink printed Purdey paper label with notation "Charge For B. L. Rifle 9999" "6 Drams Curtiss & Harveys No 6 Powder" in lid. Another label has list of implements including turnscrews, cleaning equipment, nipple key, and spare plungers. Two lines are mostly obliterated. There is space in the case for a bullet mold. A bullet mold is present, but it is not numbered to this rifle. Other accessories in the case include cardboard box with this rifles serial number marked "extra plungers and springs" containing same, ebony handled powder measure, striker key, glass oil bottle with pewter top, rosewood wad rammer marked "577", rosewood handled dusting brush, two piece mahogany and brass cleaning rod with 6" handle, red morocco wallet with spare screws, pull through cleaning kit in black morocco wallet, empty horn striker bottle, mahogany handled bow tie double turnscrew, and the aforementioned brass bullet mold marked "577" for solid bullet with hollow base. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Barrels retain approximately 80% original Damascus pattern, considerably silvered and faded on sides of breech ends from normal carrying and handling wear. Action retains 60 - 70% original case hardening color, silvered on fences and around bottom. Locks retain nearly all of their original color. Temper blue remains on "nipples" and safeties, which are silvered on tips. Trigger guard retains most of its original charcoal blue, most loss due to flaking. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil light refinish with no evidence of sanding. Checkering lightly re-cut, most evident on forend. What is possibly original pad has been cleaned up a bit, base plate is of early laminated type. Bores are excellent, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Locks are crisp. Set trigger somewhat gummed and needs adjustment. Case leather is still light in color, but with areas of staining and numerous marks and rubs. Lettering is clear. Original straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good with considerable staining and some rubs. Labels are foxed and soiled. Purdey label is spotted. Accessories are generally good to fine. A very fine, great handling, big bore express rifle. MGM34
Accessories
Case, Maintenance Supplies
Model
SXS Double Hammer Rifle