GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
VERY FINE PURDEY 16 GAUGE EXTRA FINISH SIDELOCK EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER HEAVY PROOF GAME GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS AND CASE.PURDEYSXS2615116 GAMODERN; C&R(ca 1949) Cal. 16 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. Both sets of 28" chopper lump bbls have slightly raised, flat, matted ribs inlaid "1" or "2", with "1" denoting "CHOKE" bbls, and "2" "1/4 CHOKE" as engraved on rear lumps. Tops of bbls are engraved with Purdey's famous Audley House London address. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 1-1/8 oz shot and 2-3/4" chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped "CHOKE" and with SNs. and left bbls are stamped with bbl makers initials "J.A" (J Aldous). Tube numbers "64957" and "64958" are on set no. "1", and "64959" and "64960" are on set no. "2". Case hardened, Beesley patent, self-opening action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and Purdey non-selective single trigger. Action and lockplates are engraved with full coverage large shaded open acanthus scroll with strap work highlights, in, typical for the period, Purdey "extra finish". Fences are relief carved in a similar motif. This pattern was originated by and in this case most likely crafted by the revered Harry Kell. Blued top lever and single beaded small bow trigger guard are engraved in a similar manner. Trigger guard has SN on tang. Nicely marbled, and lightly fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-1/8" over brown leather covered pad, and features classic drop points, and point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip. A silver oval on toe line is engraved "JRM". Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release, and iron is stamped with actioners initials, "LS", the seldom encountered Laurie Salter. BBL SET "1": Bore diameter: left -.662, right - .662. Bore restrictions: left - .033 (full), right - .033 (full). Wall thickness: left - .030, right - .029. Drop at heel: 2-3/16", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Cast: approx 1/4" off. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14-1/8". BBL SET "2": Bore diameter: left -.662, right - .662. Bore restrictions: left - .034 (full), right - .013 (Lt mod). Wall thickness: left - .031, right - .030. Drop at heel: 2-5/16", drop at comb: 1-1/2". Cast: approx 1/4" off. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14-1/8". Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion, has tan canvas leather trimmed outer cover. Case is lined in burgundy cloth and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid, along with charge card for this particular gun including extra bbls. Case contains Purdey marked snap caps and oil bottle, along with birch and brass cleaning rod with mop, brush, and two horned jags, as well as an ebony handled striker key and small turnscrew. Bone striker bottle contains spare strikers. A black morocco leather wallet holds action cleaning brushes. Another wallet contains pull through cleaning kit. Also included are two orig keys. PROVENANCE: Remarkable William Larkin Moore Private Estate Collection of Fine Sporting Arms. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refurbished. Both sets of bbls retain about 90% of what appears to be their orig blue, thinning on sides, due to normal hand wear. Action retains 50 - 60% orig case hardening color, silvered on fences and beads, thinning on bottom. Lockplates retain 90 - 95% of their orig color. Top lever is silvered on thumbpiece. Trigger guard retains nearly all of a sympathetic re-blue. What is most likely an old restock, is of very high quality, and has only a few knocks and scratches in its orig finish. Checkering remains light in color. Forend retains 40% of its orig finish, worn through from normal hand wear, checkering dark, lightly worn. Bores are excellent, bright, smooth, and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Drop is good, but shows some wear. Case leather is excellent, with a few bumps and rubs, as protected by its outer cover, which shows some soiling, leather beginning to deteriorate on trim. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is very good with rubs and compressions, and light soiling from bbls and action. Purdey label is excellent. Charge card is lightly soiled. Accessories are very fine. A very well made and finished small bore Purdey, with a useful combination of bbls. 50594-116 mgm76 (37,500-60,000)