November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Manufactured 1879. Silver tipped blade front sight on smooth, straight, solid, matte rib with interrupting smooth portion with "J. Purdey, 314 - 1/2, Oxford Street, London." Rear sight is an express sight with one standing leaf for 70 yards with white pointer and anti-glare serrations, folding sight for 200 yards with express silver line. Bottom of barrels have serial numbers, barrel flats with appropriate London proofs. Sling eye soldered onto bottom rib. Breeches are relieved for sideclips. Small splinter forend with Anson release, checkered in point pattern. Exterior are engraved with tight scroll work. Interior of iron with serial number. Underlever rotary opener. Lever and receiver engraved in traditional English rose and scroll. Top of fences signed "Patent" between strikers. Action flats with appropriate British proofing. Fish form hammers on backaction locks engraved en suite with English style push on safeties. Lock signed "J. Purdey and Sons." Serial number on full length pistol grip tang which terminates with a metal engraved buttplate. Sling eye and gold oval along belly. Shadowline cheekpiece. Three quarters checkered buttplate with charge data on back indicating a 3 7/8 dram charge of No. 6 powder. Weight of rifle is 8 Lbs. 12 oz. Housed in a leg of mutton case. CONDITION: Very good as partly rehabilitated. Barrels retain much of a good, quality rebrown with some minor handling marks. A few spots of silvering and a few pings both above and beneath finish. Forearm is very good, with some abrasions to checkering and marks throughout. A few good dings to checkering. Receiver and action are very good, case colors have all but completely faded with a few of the most minor flashes in the most protected areas. Lever, trigger guard, and hammers are reblued and retain most of that rebluing with a few minor marks. Stock is very good with marks from use throughout including a few good dents on right side. An added layer of oil or other preservative has smoothed out checkering somewhat. Buttplate has sharp checkering and retains most of what appears to be with its original blue mixing with some patina mostly towards top. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand. Bores are very good although there is significant softness to the edges of the lands. As caliber is unmarked, a chamber cast will need to be completed before firing to determine precise caliber. Leg of mutton case with several areas of scuffing and bruising, with tenderness to cover where it flexes during opening; exercise caution when using. Strap and handle are good. Brass buckle with mottling on face. A neat lot that is sure to have been together for quite some time. EW/CP