GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR TOP LEVER DOUBLE RIFLE IN 30 PURDEY (30-40 KRAG) WITH ORIGINAL CASE AND ACCESSORIES. J. PURDEY SXS D-RIFLE 25036 30 PURDEY (30-40 KRAG) MODERN; C&R (1937) Cal. 30 Purdey (30-40 Krag). one of only seven rifles made in this caliber, this rifle has 25" chopper lump bbls fitted with matted quarter rib holding one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight. Mid rib is engraved with Purdey's famous Audley House address. Matching front ramp with sight protector numbered to rifle, is fitted with silver bead. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 30 caliber and 2.31" case. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs and bbl makers initials "SS" (Sam Simons). Tube numbers "62463" and "62464" are on loop. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened small sized top lever bolstered sidelock action features automatic bolted safety (SAFE and BOLTED inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, side clips, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved in Purdey house style with 80% coverage very well cut rose and scroll. "J. Purdey & Sons" is at the bottom of each lockplate, and on bottom of action over "London" "England". Scroll engraved trigger guard has SN on tang, which extends to steel grip cap. Finely marbled and lightly figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4" over thin Silver pad, and features classic beaded shadow line cheekpiece, drop points, and point pattern checkering with back border with reverse curve. A sling loop matching that on bbl, as well as a gold oval engraved with monogram "MRBS", are on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has actioners initials "FW" (Fred Williams) on iron. Drop at heel: approx 3-3/16", drop at comb: approx 2-1/16". Neutral cast. Weight: 8 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-3/4". What is most likely original oak and leather case with brass corners, has central medallion marked with three Sanskrit letters. Case is lined in burgundy cloth and has gold embossed Purdey label in lid with two information labels. Case contains a pair of snap caps, cleaning equipment, ebony handled turnscrew and striker key, bone striker bottle with spare strikers, and a Purdey marked square oil bottle. Case straps are also inside. PROVENANCE: Factory email indicating completion in 1937, and with other specs. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain essentially all of a re-black over light marks and scratches. Action retains 20 - 30% orig case hardening color, silvered on all high points, fading and graying on bottom. Locks retain approx 70 - 80% orig color. Perhaps 30% orig blue remains on trigger guard. Stocks retain most of their orig hand rubbed oil finish, worn at grip and forend with many light marks and heavier knocks. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is fine, still light in color, with some scuffs and marks. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is very good to fine with compressions and soiling. Labels are very fine. Accessories have verdigris. 52700-58 BDT387 (35,000-45,000)