GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
VERY FINE PHILIPPE GRIFNEE ENGRAVED JAMES PURDEY SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR HEAVY GAME GUN WITH CASE.JAMES PURDEYSELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR HEAVY GAME GUN1575712 GA.(1897) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. Starting with a fine antique heavy proof pigeon gun, this fine work of useful art has been created. 30" Chopper lump bbls, fitted with matted, concave rib marked "MADE IN ENGLAND". "J. Purdey & Sons London" are deeply engraved in Gothic script on top of left bbl. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, "CHOKE", and bbl makers initials "WH" (William Hill). Tube nos "18564" and "18565" are on loop. Heavy Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE gold inlaid), bushed strikers, side clips, hidden third fastener, engraved arrow tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers with blades heat blued. This fine action has recently been beautifully refinished, handsomely engraved, and gold inlaid by renowned engraver Philippe Grifnee, now deceased. Fences are relief carved with strawberry foliage, flowers, and berry. Remainder of action and lockplates are dramatically engraved with large scrolling acanthus having strapwork highlights and dark shading. This exquisite work is background for relief gold inlays of game birds; pair of Canada geese are flying over scroll on left lockplate, and a pair of mallards are taking wing on right. Bottom of action portrays a walking wild turkey. "James Purdey & Sons" is gold inlaid in Gothic script within rectangular devices on each side of action. Tips of lock pins are fire blued. Mr. Grifnee''s signature appears on trigger plate to the left of front trigger. Trigger guard with matching scroll has SN gold inlaid on tang. Exceptionally fine, newly made, dark marbled and flame figured European walnut round knob buttstock measures 14-5/8" over reddish leather covered pad. Stock features classic drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a silver oval on toe line engraved "JPA". Matching splinter ejector forend is stamped with actioners initials "S.P." (Sol Prentice) and has Anson release. Bore diameter: left -.733, right -.732. Bore restrictions: left -.035 (full), right -.025 (Mod). Wall thickness: left -.026, right -.026. Drop at heel: 2", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz. LOP: 14-5/8”. Fine quality leather VC case with stitched leather corners is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid. Case contains Purdey marked round oil bottle and snap caps, as well as unmarked horn handled striker key and chamber brush. Leather case contains brush, mop, and jag. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, as completely refurbished. Bbls retain essentially all of a best London black, with a few very light marks. Action retains nearly all of its blue finish under coin finished engraving, with no noticeable areas of darkening or wear. Stocks retain nearly all of their fine hand rubbed oil finish with a few light handling marks, mostly on left side of butt. Checkering slightly darkened. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is excellent with a few minor marks. Straps and handle are very fine. Interior cloth is excellent with a few minor rubs. Accessories are near new. Label has a dime sized scuff at upper left. Simply a lovely gun and a testament to Mr. Grifnee''s artistry. 49183-12 MGM20 (25,000-45,000)