April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
(1929) Originally built in Purdey's most popular proprietary cartridge, the .400 straight, with 120 examples recorded, this rifle has been converted to .45-70 USG, in London, and correctly proofed and regulated for this cartridge. Many, perhaps more than half, of the original .400 straight rifles have been converted in this manner. This rifle has 25 - 1/2" chopper lump barrels engraved with Purdey's famous Audley House London address and with Whitworth steel information on unmatted portion of full length rib. A one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight is dovetailed through and a gold bead front sight is longitudinally dovetailed into muzzle end. Tops of barrels are engraved "Cal 45/70 Gov" "Regulated For 405 Grain Bullet". Barrel flats are stamped with original London nitro proofs for .400 3", and with 1975 London re-proofs for .45-70, with 405 grain bullet. Serial numbers are on bottoms of barrels, and barrel makers initials "GA" (George Aston) are on bottom of left barrel. Tube numbers "2933" and "2934" are on loop. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened sidelock self opening action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), sliding third fastener engaging short rib extension, bushed strikers, side clips, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers. Action is engraved with Purdey house rose and scroll. "J. Purdey & Sons" is on each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over "London". Blued trigger guard is engraved with open scroll. Serial number is on tang which extends to engraved steel grip cap. Nicely fiddle figured and lightly streaked European (?) walnut replacement buttstock measures 15" over thin black leather covered pad. Stock features large shadow line right hand cheekpiece, drop points, point pattern checkering at grip, and a sling loop matching that on barrels, as well as a silver oval engraved with initials "J T M" on toe line. Stock has been fitted with a mercury recoil reducer. Original splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Weight: 8 lbs 7 oz. Gun is housed in relatively new brown oak and leather case with leather corners, lined in red cloth. Case contains new accessories including three ebony handled turnscrews, round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, and carrying sling. Two keys are in small covered compartment. CONDITION: Excellent, as completely refurbished and re-bored, retaining nearly all traditional finishes on all wood and metal surfaces, with only some light handling and assembly marks. Newer buttstock retains Purdey type styling, and there is some scattered pitting visible under new finishes on metal. Mechanically fine. Ejectors are slightly out of time. There are some rubs and scuffs in leather of case. Straps and handle are good. Interior and accessories are excellent. MGM173.
Accessories
Case, accessories
Caliber/Bore
.45-70 Government
Drop at Heel
Approx 2 - 15/16"
Length of Pull
15" neutral cast
Paperwork
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