GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
SUPERB SPECIAL ORDER JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR PIGEON SHOTGUN WITH SUPERB RELIEF SCROLL AND PIGEON MOTIF ENGRAVING BY HARRY KELL WITH MOTOR CASE AND FACTORY LETTER.PURDEYSIDELOCK PIGEON2241612 GAW/CASE, CL ROD, 2 SNAP CAPSMODERN; C&R(1923) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. 30" Chopper lump bbls are engraved with Purdey's famous Audley House address and Whitworth steel information on tops; and are fitted with slightly raised flat matted pigeon rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, and bbl makers initials "S.S" (Sam Simons). Tube numbers "53995" and "53996" are on loop. Beesley patent self opening action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), side clips, hidden third fastener, disc set strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Action and locks are engraved with exceptionally fine, cleanly relief cut, large open acanthus scroll with strapwork highlights in fine shaded background. This exceptional deep dramatic scroll surrounds rounded vignettes of pigeons; those on lockplates are standing on ground, while the oval scene on bottom of action shows a pigeon in flight. "J. Purdey & Sons" is above this scene and "London" is below. Fences are even more deeply carved in almost full relief. This superb work is undoubtedly by the revered Harry Kell, as the rather large eyes of his birds are essentially a signature. Trigger guard is blued, and matching scroll is on bow extending to tang which is also engraved with SN. Dense, well marbled and lightly fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 15-1/8" over leather covered pad. Stock features typical finishing with drop points, point pattern checkering and a vacant gold oval on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Actioners initials "TD" (Tom Davidson) are on iron. Bore diameter: left -.735, right - .735. Bore restrictions: left - .034 with .002 recess (extra full), right - .033 with .002 recess (extra full) (This is typical Purdey pigeon choke boring producing tight patterns. The recess creates a "hot" center). Wall thickness: left - .022, right - .023. Drop at heel: 2-1/4", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Cast: approx 1/2 off. Weight: 7 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 15-1/8". Makers two gun motor case is embossed "S.P. ROTAN" "PHILA, U.S.A." Interior is lined in burgundy cloth with gold embossed black Purdey label in lid. Case contains pair of Purdey marked snap caps and 2-pc rosewood and brass cleaning rod. PROVENANCE: Factory letter with specifications specifying both bbls full choke, built for "Veneziano" with large scroll and medallions of pigeon engraving. Copy of ledger page. CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain 95% of a London quality re-black with a few very light marks and silvering on sharp edges. Action has lots of what was not very bright color, essentially a "french gray" as evidenced by color on water table, and is a very pleasing pewter to silver. Trigger guard re-blued, silvered on sides and grip, engraving slightly softened. A monogram (specified in factory letter) has been removed from top lever but is undetectable as area has been expertly re-engraved. Stocks retain nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish, possibly orig. with a number of light marks and small dings. Checkering competently re-cut. Bores are excellent, with just a hint of frosting in left bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. (New hinge pin) Drop is good. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is good, crazed, and scuffed at corners. Renewed straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good with some rubs. Accessories are good. Pigeon guns with special features similar to this finely finished example seldom come on the market; An opportunity to acquire a fine specimen that has no apologies. 53117-1 mgm28 (22,500-32,500)