October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
(circa 1928) This scarce, best quality single barrel trap gun has a 32" demi bloc barrel, fitted with a slightly raised ventilated matted rib with front and middle beads. Left side of barrel is engraved "J. Purdey & Sons. Audley House. South Audley Street. London". Right side of barrel is engraved "Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth's Fluid Pressed Steel". Barrel flat is stamped 2 - 3/4" with London Nitro Proofs. Bottom of rear lump is engraved "Made in England". Bottom of barrel is stamped with serial number, "CHOKE", and barrel makers initials "WH" (Bill Hill). Tube number "58781" is on loop. Heavy self opening sidelock action with Beesley patent sidelock on left side has dummy plate on right, and features third fastener which engages short rib extension, raised rib tumbler cocking indicator, and bushed striker. Action is engraved with well cut classic Purdey house style rose and scroll. Makers name is on each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over "London". Small bow trigger guard has serial number on tang which extends to engraved steel grip cap. Well marbled European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 14 - 1/4" over black Decelerator pad. Stock has usual features of drop points, point pattern checkering, and vacant silver oval. Matching full splinter forend has Anson type release. Actioners initials "TD" (Tom Davidson) are on iron. CONDITION: Excellent showing very little use for a trap gun, and retaining over 90% barrel blue. Case colors on action are at about 60% while lockplates show approximately 90%. Stock finish appears to be original with only some light marks and knocks, checkering very lightly worn, near new. Bore is excellent, with some light striations. Action is tight. Barrel is on face. Ejector is working. A very nice example of this seldom seen gun. MGM2.
Barrel Wall Thickness
.051
Internal Bore Diameter
.733
Length of Pull
14 - 1/4" slightly cast off