October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
(Circa 1909) Two sets of chopper lump barrels, 27 - 1/8" set with slightly raised pigeon rib, 29" barrels with slightly swamped game rib. Both sets are engraved with Purdey's South Audley Street address and Whitworth steel information on tops. Barrel flats of both sets are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2 - 3/4" chambers. Serial numbers are on bottoms of barrels, along with barrel makers initials "WH" (Bill Hill). Tube numbers "41238" and "41239", are on loop of shorter barrels, and "38104" and "38105" are on 29" barrels. (We are grateful to Purdey's for acknowledging that barrels were originally 32" and 34".) Case hardened robust Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action is made with no safety and has short top tang. Action also features patented third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, engraved arrow head tumbler end cocking indicators, and single non-selective trigger. Action is engraved with very nicely cut classic rose and scroll in Purdey house style, most likely the work of James Lucas, head engraver at the time. "J. Purdey & Sons" is on each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over "London". Small bow trigger guard with open scroll on bow has serial number on tang. Newer made nicely marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/8" over thin black Old English pad. Point pattern checkering is at grip. Small beavertail forend has Anson release. Gun is housed in period oak and leather case with brass corners. Case is lined in burgundy cloth and has 1950's vintage Purdey paper label in lid. CONDITION: Very fine as reconditioned. Barrels retain nearly all of good quality re-black. Action has nearly all of a well done case hardening re-color. New stocks have essentially all of their finish. Bores are very fine with some light frosting, and a few very minor pings. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Single trigger is balky, possibly wood bound and needs further freeing. Case leather is dark, with numerous bumps, and scrapes. Newer handle partially detached. Straps are good (inside case). Renewed interior cloth is very fine with some rubs and soiling. Label is fine, lightly foxed and with a patch of soiling from contact with action. MGM58.
Accessories
Case, extra barrel
Barrel Length
(A) 27 - 1/8" (B) 29"
Barrel Wall Thickness
(A) (L) .022 (R) .020 (B) (L) .019 (R) .020
Choke
(A) (L) .019 (Mod) (R) .012 (IC) (B) (L) .031 (Full) (R) .015 (Mod)
Internal Bore Diameter
(A) (BOTH) .731 (B) (L) .739 (R) .741
Weight
(A) 7 lbs 4 oz. (B) 7 lbs 6 oz.