GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
FINE OLD PURDEY HEAVY GAME GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS AND CASE. PURDEY SXS MID-GRADE 13079 12 GA IVORY (1888) Cal. 12 ga. 3" Chambers. Two sets of 30" chopper lump Whitworth steel bbls with slightly raised, matted, concave game ribs, are engraved with Purdey Audley House address and steel type on tops, one set engraved "Field" "Barrels". Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs and later nitro proofs for 1-1/8 oz of shot. SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls along with bbl makers initials "EH" (E Hodges). Tube numbers "6219" and "6220" are on heavily choked bbls, and "6265" and "6266" are on "field" bbls. Case hardened Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, engraved arrow tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action and lockplates are engraved with about 30% coverage well executed small scroll (factory letter indicates "very little scroll engraving"). "J. Purdey & Sons" is on each lockplate, and "Purdey''s Patent" is on bottom of action. Top lever is finely relief engraved with monogram "CGF" (?). (Factory records indicate "Monogram chased on lever".) Blued trigger guard has light scroll on bow, and SN on tang which extends to lightly engraved steel grip cap. Well figured and nicely streaked European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over Silver type pad. Stock features classic drop points and point pattern checkering. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Iron is stamped with actioners initial "T" (Tysall). Field BBLS: Bore diameter: left - .731, right -.732. Bore restrictions: left -.012 (Mod), right -.006 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.026, right -.029. Drop at heel: 2-3/8", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". Heavy Choked BBLS: Bore diameter: left - .734, right -.731. Bore restrictions: left -.030 (full), right -.013 (lt mod). Wall thickness: left -.030, right -.034. Drop at heel: 2-5/16", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". What appears to be orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion, is lined in scarlet cloth, and has small paper Purdey Audley House label in lid, along with small label with instructions for hammerless guns, and two charge cards for this particular gun marked "Heavy Barrels" and "Light Barrels". Case has space for action and both sets of bbls, and contains fine quality gold-plated and ivory Purdey marked loading tools, including shot dipper, powder dipper, wad rammer, and roll crimping tool. All four pieces are scrimmed with monogram "TCF" (?), similar but not quite the same as monogram on gun. Also included are a pair of H&H marked snap caps, two pairs of Purdey marked snap caps, relatively new Purdey marked turnscrew, broken case extractor, an old ivory vaseline jar (?), and bone striker bottle with spare strikers. One small compartment holds a pull through field cleaning kit. An 1898 edition of Purdey instruction booklet is in action compartment. PROVENANCE: Factory letter with orig specifications indicating gun was completed in 1888 for "Flint Esq" and confirming second set of "field" bbls. Invoice from Alfred Gallifent with work completed including rejoining, repairing drop, replacing pins, springs, etc. for a total of $3475.00. Consignors notes. Lifelong Collection of Gentleman Collector Herbert Hyatt. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. Both sets of bbls retain nearly all of London quality re-blue; field marked bbls engraving is still clear, heavy choked bbls have engraving re-cut. Action and lockplates retain approx 30% orig case hardening color, possibly a bit stronger on plates. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish with a number of light marks and scratches, checkering re-cut. Pad is relatively new. (Factory records indicate gun was originally supplied with iron heel plate with trap.) Bores are very fine to excellent with some light striations and frosting. Field marked bbls are truly excellent with one or two small pits in right bbl about 12" back from muzzle. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Case leather has considerable darkening and some staining, chips, and rubs. New straps and handle are excellent. Interior cloth is fine with moderate insect damage, soiling, and rubs. Labels are foxed, with some staining. Heavy bbl charge card has rub through. "Certifiable antique elephant ivory" accessories are very fine with some light checks, but wonderful patina. Other accessories are good. A great old heavy Purdey. 49896-10 MGM58 (10,000-15,000)