GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
FINE JAMES PURDEY SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR LIGHT GAME SHOTGUN WITH CASE.J. PURDEYSXS1991612GAW/CASEMODERN; C&R(1910) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 28" Chopper lump bbls are engraved with Purdey's famous Audley House name and address, along with Whitworth steel information on slightly raised, narrow game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-1/2" chambers, bottoms of bbls with "CHOKE" and SNs, and bottom of left bbl with bbl makers initials "WH" (Bill Hill). Tube nos "40430" and "40431" are on loop. Typical Purdey self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Action and lockplates are engraved with Purdey house style rose and scroll. "James Purdey & Sons" is on each lockplate, and on bottom of action over "London". Blued trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN on tang. Nicely marbled and lightly figured dense European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14" over russet leather covered pad, and features typical drop points, flat top point pattern checkering at grip, and a vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release, and unknown actioners initials (T.N) are on iron. Bore diameter: left -.731, right - .732. Bore restrictions: left - .021 (mod), right - .007 (IC). Wall thickness: left - .026, right - .026. Drop at heel: 2-3/8", drop at comb: 1-5/8". Cast about 1/4" off. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14". Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners and circular central medallion, is lined in scarlet cloth. Small Purdey paper label is in lid, marked in pencil "R. D. Merrill AD 1911". Orig charge card is present, with this guns SN. Case contains 2-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod with short handle (handle does not match), pair of snap caps, bone striker bottle containing a pair of strikers, round oil bottle, striker key, pull-through cleaning kit in morocco leather wallet, assorted mops, brushes, and jags, as well as two keys. Large compartment contains case straps. PROVENANCE: The Larry Kelley Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a rust re-blue, engraving on rib somewhat softened. Action retains 20 - 30% orig case hardening color, balance a fine bright silver, with no patches of darkening or staining. Lockplates retain 80 - 90% orig color, but faded. Top lever and trigger guard are re-blued, and retain nearly all of that blue. Stocks retain nearly all of an old hand rubbed oil refinish, checkering cleaned or lightly re-run. Bores are excellent, with a hint of frosting. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are slightly out of time. Case leather is darkened, scuffed, and stained, but with no losses. Newer straps and handle are very fine. Interior cloth is good with numerous rubs and compressions, considerably soiled from contact with gun and bbls. Labels are foxed, charge card especially so. Accessories are good. A nice handling, attractive old Purdey. 52082-3 MGM37 (9,000-14,000)