December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
34" Damascus twist barrel is round for virtually its entire length, with the last 2 - 3/4" over the chamber faceting to become octagonal. Blade front sight on island and three leaf dovetailed rear sight, with one standing leaf regulated for 100 yards, and two folding leaves regulated for 150 and 200 yards; all with silver express lines. Barrel is unmarked, and devoid of British proofs, with only an engraved "15" at top of tang and over hooked breech. Case colored percussion lock simply engraved "PURDEY". Near-full length walnut stock with brass fittings, including a brass nosecap and ramrod with horn tip retained by a pair of ferrules with a reinforced mouth. Lock retained by a single side nail. Pancake cheekpiece and brass buttplate. Barrel refuses diassembly from stock to check for proofs, but lock marked "15" internally, matching tang and breech. Perhaps a Purdey manufactured martial rifle for one of the many rifle companies raised in the 1850s? CONDITION: Excellent, retaining the vast majority of the factory finishes with some minor handling marks, barrel with some scattered handling marks and dings, and some rubs through brown to gunmetal grey. Stock very good with scattered handling marks and impressions but free of cracks or chips. Mechanically fine, bore excellent with strong rifling. An interesting rifle in outstanding condition.