GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
FIFTH EARLIEST KNOWN PURDEY SHOTGUN! CONVERTED FROM FLINT TO PERCUSSION, INCORPORATING WYATT PATENT SAFETY, WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES. PROCEEDS OF SALE TO BENEFIT GUNMAKERS CHARITABLE TRUST - LONDON (TREVALLION COLLECTION).PURDEYSXS PERC20814(1820) Cal. 14 Bore. Only four Purdey shotguns with lower serial numbers are extant; Number 14 (a single) is in the National Museum of Scotland; 86 is in the collection of James Purdey & Sons London; 44 and 200 are in private collections. This particular shotgun, no. "208" was given to David Trevallion, noted gunmaker and Purdey stocker, by his "Gaffer" (apprentice master, Bill O'Brien) who was responsible for the restoration of this gun and no. 86, an orig flint gun, which was retained by Purdeys. No 208 was given to Mr. O'Brien by Purdey's as payment for the work done on both, as work was performed on Mr. O'Brien's own time. This gun has boldly patterned 30" stub twist bbls fitted with broad, concave, elevated rib, engraved in script "J. Purdey Princes Strt. Leicester Square London". Bottoms of bbls are stamped with London black powder proofs, SNs and bbl forgers initials "CL" (the noted Charles Lancaster, who worked as a bbl forger before building complete guns at a later date). An ebony ramrod with brass tulip head and tail with steel worm under cap, is held by two plain pipes. Bbls were originally flintlock, and new percussion patent breeches have been fitted, most likely by Purdeys in the 1830's. Breech iron with later style integral fences, has near full coverage well cut acanthus scroll with sea monster finials. Though originally flintlock, lockplates have been nicely shaped, fitted with flat bodied, serpentine percussion hammers, and nicely re-engraved with classic early sea monsters and scroll. "PURDEY" is on banner linking opposed sea monster scrolls on each lockplate. Locks are fitted with the Wyatt patent safety sears, patented in 1818, which hold hammers at half cock, and act as supplement to the normal internal sear. This safety device was often incorporated with a lever at grip which when depressed would also unlock the triggers. It appears this secondary function was removed from this gun, as there is a piece dovetailed into trigger guard tang where pivot for the grip safety would normally be. Stock is of dense, somewhat crotch figured European walnut, and measures 14-1/8" over broad engraved steel buttplate with long top spur. Other furniture is of steel including trigger plate and thimble, both with stylized pineapple finials, and trigger guard with opposed coiled sea monsters on bow, and SN on tang. Flat top checkering with mullered borders wraps around grip and is at forend. Stock attaches to bbls with captive side nail through oval silver escutcheons. Bore diameter: left -.670, right - .670. Wall thickness: left - .032, right - .034. Drop at heel: 2", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Cast: neutral. Weight: 6 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14-1/8". High quality early mahogany case with dual pivoting hook and key closure has inset brass corners, and typical D-ring central handle. Interior is lined in green baize, and has reproduction Purdey Princes Street Leicester Square label in lid. Case contains an array of fine period accessories including correct style unmarked copper bodied flask, Japanned Rangoon oil tin, 3-pc brass and rosewood cleaning rod in leather case marked "208", a bird carrying sling with a swivel head, a small circular oil bottle, and a tin of Eley caps. Covered compartment with mahogany top inlet for holding locks in a typical flint manner, contains ebony handled turnscrew, 16 ga. wad punch, main spring vise, and T-shaped percussion nipple wrench with spare nipples under caps, and pricker. Another compartment with sliding top contains a morocco leather shot pouch with German silver spout by Deane, and a turks head. PROVENANCE: This gun was the subject of an article in Nov/Dec 2014 "Shooting Sportsman" on pages 69-71, 138, 140, entitled "Purdey no. 208 Examining One of The Oldest Surviving Purdeys" by David Trevallion and Steve Dalzell. Copy included. This gun is also mentioned and pictured in JAMES PURDEY & SONS GUN AND RIFLE MAKERS 200 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE by Donald Dallas, on p. 44. CONDITION: Excellent, as patiently and finely restored by Purdey craftsman, Bill O'Brien. Bbls retain nearly all of an exceptional and dramatic re-brown. Iron parts nicely cleaned to a soft pewter patina. Stock retains nearly all of a Purdey "Slack-um" finish with a few light subsequent marks. Bores are very fine, lightly frosted, with evidence of a few dents being removed mostly in left bbl about 12" from muzzle. Locks are crisp. Case retains nearly all of a fine oil refinish over numerous light scratches. Renewed interior cloth is very fine with some light soiling. Accessories are generally good to excellent. Cleaning rod leather case is new. 51009-1 MGM214 (10,000-15,000)