October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
(ca 1972) 27" chopper lump barrels with narrow, matted game rib are engraved "J. Purdey & Sons." and "Audley House. South Audley Street. London. England." on tops. Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 3" chambers. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with serial numbers and barrel makers initials "JD". Tube numbers "71209" and "71210" are on loop. Case hardened self-opening sidelock Beesley patent action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers (front "loose"). Action and lockplates are engraved in Purdey house style rose and scroll. "J. PURDEY & SONS" is on each lockplate, and also on bottom of action over "LONDON ENGLAND". Blued trigger guard with open scroll on bow has serial number on tang. Nicely fiddle figured and well marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 - 3/4" over brown leather covered pad. Stock is classically styled with drop points and point pattern checkering. Matching long splinter ejector forend with Anson release, has extra screw for reinforcement due to heavy recoil of the 3" 20-gauge cartridge. Actioners initials "T.B" are on iron. Gun comes in Brady style VC leather case with stitched leather corners. Interior is lined in burgundy cloth and has gold and black leather Purdey label in lid. Also present is a charge card for this particular gun with specifications. CONDITION: Excellent, original, showing average field use. Barrels retain approximately 95% original blue, silvered on sharp edges, and with scattered minor nicks and scratches. Action retains 70-80% original case hardening colors, silvered on fences and beads. Lockplates retain nearly all of their original color. Most all original fire blue remains on tumbler ends and hinge pin. Blued trigger guard and top lever are silvered on sharp edges. Trigger guard has blue silvering at grip. Stocks retain about 90% original "slackum" finish, with scattered marks and scratches, some fairly deep. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Drop is good. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is very fine with some minor staining and rubs. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is fine, with some restoration in action area. Labels are very fine. An unusual small bore Purdey. MGM45.
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .032 (R) .030
Choke
(L) .024 (Mod) (R) .006 (IC)
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .616 (R) .615
Length of Pull
14 - 3/4" cast about 1/4 off.