GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
FINE 20 GAUGE PURDEY LIGHT GAME GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS AND CASE.PURDEYSXS2790820 GAMODERNCal. 20 GA 2-3/4" Chambers. Two sets of chopper lump bbls, one 25" long, the other 26", are both fitted with very narrow, slightly raised, flat matted ribs, and are marked with Purdey name and Audley Street address on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with 1973 nitro proofs for 20 ga. 2-3/4" chambers. SNs are on the bottom of each bbl, and each set is stamped with bbl makers initials "E.C" (Ted Comben). Tube nos. "71311" and "71312" are on bottoms of 26" bbls, which are marked for choke on rear lump "R-65%" and "L-75%". Tube nos. "71313" and "71314" are on loop of 25" bbls which are marked "SKEET" on rear lump. Typical, small sized Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action is fitted with non-automatic safety, Purdey sgl non-selective trigger has broad finger blade, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and bushed strikers. Action is engraved with typical Purdey house style rose and scroll. "J. Purdey & Sons" is on each lockplate, and also on bottom of action along with "London, England". Beaded small bow trigger guard has SN on tang which extends to composition grip cap. Finely marbled and stump figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over checkered wood butt, and features typical drop points and point pattern checkering with mullered borders which wraps over top of grip. Individual gold initials "DF" are inlet on toe line. Matching short beavertail forend fits both sets of bbls and has Anson release. Iron engraved with SN, is also stamped with actioners initials "PD" (Peter Delay, grandson of Ben Delay, Sr, and son of Ben Delay, Jr. all long time Purdey actioners). 26" BBLS: Bore diameter: left -.615, right -.614. Bore restrictions: left -.034 (full), right -.024 (mod). Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.032. Drop at heel: 2-7/16", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 6 lbs 0 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". 25" BBLS: Bore diameter: left -.615, right -.614. Bore restrictions: left -.001 (skeet), right -.001 (skeet). Wall thickness: left -.030, right -.028. Drop at heel: 2-7/16", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". Makers VC leather case with stitched leather corners is lined in burgundy cloth and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid, which is also applied with charge card for this particular gun, with specifications. Case contains 2-pc beech and brass cleaning rod still in orig packing wrap, with mop, brush and jag, metal striker bottle with spare strikers, square Purdey marked oil bottle, two Purdey marked snap caps, and an unmarked broken case extractor. A brown leather protector holds two keys. Accompanied by a large packet of information, mostly letters and invoices from Purdeys to the individual who originally ordered this shotgun, Mr. Richard Finear of Goleta, CA. The order was dated Nov 1971 and appears to have been completed June 1975. The orig order included narrow matted rib, single trigger, pistol grip stock with US comb, gold initials DF, beavertail forearm and an extra set of bbls. The final invoice included all the above information, plus a leather V.C. case and fittings. The 26" bbls were to be choked modified and full and the 25" bbls choked skeet. Also included is a small Purdey''s owners instruction card. PROVENANCE: Richard Finear, Esq. Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, showing evidence of very light field use. Both sets of bbls retain essentially all of their fine factory blue, with a few light marks and scratches, mostly where covered by forend. Action is somewhat silvered on beads, otherwise retains essentially all of its fine case hardening color. Top lever has a hint of silvering at thumbpiece, and trigger guard retains essentially all of its blue. Fire blue on hinge pin lightly faded, and blue on cocking indicators silvered on ribs. Stocks retain essentially all of their hand rubbed "Slacum" finish with some light scratches and two or three somewhat deeper small dents. Checkering is very lightly worn. Bores are excellent. Action is tight with both sets of bbls. Drop is excellent. Ejectors are in time. Trigger appears to work exceptionally well. Case leather is excellent, with a few minor scuffs. Top grain of straps beginning to crack, handle is good. Interior cloth is excellent with some light rubs. Accessories are excellent. An exceptionally well balanced, great handling, small bore with a versatile combination of bbls. 49450-23 MGM259 (50,000-70,000)