GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
JAMES PURDEY 20 GAUGE "FUNERAL" MODEL GAME GUN WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES.PURDEYSXS SIDELOCK1970220 GAMODERN(ca 1909) Cal. 20 ga. 2-9/16" Chambers. Guns with plain blued finish are first seen shortly after the death of Queen Victoria. (This cataloger knows of one example ordered very soon after her death in 1901.) Although never referred to as "funeral guns" by Purdey''s, the name has been applied by the general population to denote guns of plain black finish with some gold accents. This particular gun has 28" chopper lump bbls engraved with usual Purdey Audley House address and Whitworth steel information on narrow, game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 7/8 oz of shot. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs. Bottom of left bbl is stamped with bbl makers initials "W.H" (Bill Hill). Tube nos. "38926" and "38927" are on loop. Plain blue finish, self-opening sidelock, Beasley patent action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). This particular gun is finished more plainly than other known "funeral guns", with "J. Purdey & Sons" engraved on lockplates and over "London" on bottom of action, instead of being inlaid in gold. Other guns of this type often have heavily scrolled carved fences. The fences of this gun are elegantly carved in relief trefoil style. Orig owners monogram "G J G" (?) is gold inlaid on top lever. SN is gold inlaid on trigger guard tang. Exceptionally well marbled and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14" over ribbed composition buttplate, and features usual drop points and point pattern checkering. A gold monogram matching that on top lever is inlet on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release, and actioners initials "T.N" are on iron. Bore diameter: left -.617, right - .617. Bore restrictions: left - .016 (mod), right - .005 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .027, right - .029. Drop at heel: 2-11/16, drop at comb: 1-9/16". (Stock is cast on approx 1/4") Weight: 5 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14". Possibly orig makers oak and leather case with shaped brass corners and central medallion is gold embossed "H. E. B. Jr." and "J. E. C." on top. Interior is lined in royal purple felt, and has small gold embossed black Purdey label in lid, along with charge card SNed to this gun. Case contains 3-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod, ebonized handled striker key and turnscrew, bone striker bottle with spare strikers, pair of A&F marked snap caps, round oil bottle, broken case extractor, and a key. PROVENANCE: 1948 dated factory letter confirming gun was built in 1909, and that the orig boring was "right tight cylinder and left modified choke." They "regret that they cannot give the name of the customer for whom this gun was built." CONDITION: Good. Bbls retain 90% of an old re-black with subsequent marks, scratches, and a few dings. Engraving somewhat softened. Action and locks retain most of their orig blue finish, silvered from normal hand wear on fences and around bottom and trigger guard tang. Stocks retain all of a relatively new matte refinish, sharp edges and drop points are considerably worn. Checkering is worn. Buttplate is relatively new. Bores are fine, with some striations, mostly in right bbl, with a few scattered light pits, and a number of very small dents toward muzzles. One is fairly deep 8" back from muzzle on left bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are very slightly off face. Drop is good. Case leather is still relatively light in color, with a few scuffs and rubs. Straps and handle are good. Renewed interior felt is fine. Charge card is foxed, soiled, and wrinkled. Accessories are good. 50228-1 MGM290 (25,000-35,000)