GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR LIGHT GAME GUN WITH SEMI-RELIEF GOLD DOGS BY KEN HUNT.PURDEYSxS2138012GAMODERN; C&R(ca 1916) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 28" Chopper lump bbls are engraved "J. Purdey & Sons. Audley House. South Audley Street. London England" on slightly raised and swamped game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2" chambers and 1989 re-proofs for 3-1/4 tons (2-3/4"). Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs. Right bbl has bbl makers initials "SS" (Sam Simons). Tube numbers "48707" and "48708" are on loop. (Factory records indicate bbls were originally 30" cylinder and cylinder, and were shortened to 28" by the factory in 1937.) Blued Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with typical Purdey house rose and scroll with "J. Purdey & Sons" on each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over "London". At a later date lockplates were further embellished by the famous Ken Hunt, with realistically portrayed, semi-relief gold inlaid dogs in nicely detailed backgrounds; English setter on left plate, and pointer on right. "K. C. Hunt" appears at the bottom of setter scene. Trigger guard with open scroll on bow has SN on tang. Well marbled and figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-5/8" over Silver pad, and features typical drop points and point pattern checkering at grip, as well as a gold oval on toe line engraved "LK". Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Iron is stamped with actioners initials "WN" (Wesley Nobbs). Bore diameter: left -.733, right - .733. Bore restrictions: left - .002 (.002 recess), right - .001 (.001 recess). Wall thickness: left - .026, right - .026. Drop at heel: 1-3/4", drop at comb: 1-7/16". Cast: approx 1/8" on. Weight: 6 lbs. 13 oz. LOP: 14-5/8". PROVENANCE: Letter from Don Shrum of Cape Outfitters with info on Ken Hunt and new Purdey guns; factory letter with history of this gun as known with changes; cover letter states "We have noted that Mr. Hunt has advised you that he engraved the gun for a Mr. McCoy in the 1960's."; hard cover GUNS & AMMO 1969 annual with article by Homer McCoy entitled "Which Shotgun for You?" where this particular gun is pictured on pages 138 and 140. In the article he states "Some of us indulge ourselves to the extent of having gold likenesses of our dogs inlaid on the lockplates of our guns." CONDITION: Fine, as refurbished. Bbls retain nearly all of a well done re-black over a few marks that did not polish out, rib engraving re-cut. Action blued, most likely at time of engraving by Mr. Hunt during the 1960's. Orig engraving is somewhat softened. Buttstock retains nearly all of an old glossy varnish finish with a few subsequent marks, sharp edges slightly rounded, checkering worn. Forend with newly made wood remains excellent. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Drop is good. (new hinge pin and hook re-fit.) Ejectors are in time. 51033-20 MGM294 (15,000-25,000)