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James Purdey & Sons 16 gauge antique bar in wood hammergun in proof
Guns International #: 101655480 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Purdey Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: brandonhal
Company:
Member Since: 2/23/14
First Name: Brandon
Last Name: Halstead
State: State not Found
Zip: 09468
Country: United Kingdom
Phone:
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 29
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: paypal; certified bank check
Description:
James Purdey & Sons 16 gauge antique bar in wood hammergun in proof & beautiful condition.
Traditional upland wildfowling at its finest, and in a rarer lightweight gauge. This is a fully functional, in-proof, antique masterpiece by one of the world’s best shotgun makers. James Purdey & Sons has confirmed that this 16 gauge toplever bar-in-wood hammergun (serial number 57xx) was manufactured in 1859 during the later years of founder James Purdey’s oversight of the company before his passing in 1863. An unusual find, No. 57xx is a converted muzzle-loader. It was originally one of a pair built in 1859, and this is in keeping with the usage of 'Purdey', as the '& Sons' was not added until the end of 1877. That it has Scott's toplever fitted means that the conversion to breech-loading and center-fire was completed after 1865.
What makes Purdey’s pedigree even more extraordinary is the fact that all shotgun manufacturing, engraving, fitting, etc., down to the thousandth of an inch, was hand-crafted without the assistance of automated machining, computer measurements, or electronic assistance. Absolute master craftsmen invested hundreds of hours into each shotgun they made by hand.
In beautiful condition, the action, locks, hammers, and top lever are hand-engraved in ornate and finely detailed patterns in typical Purdey fashion: acanthus scrollwork and spiral bouquets on both locks, with similar engraving including a shell-like detail on the floorplate near the trigger guard; vine scrollwork on the trigger guard; extremely fine scrollwork on the toplever and elongated dolphin-style rebounding hammers; and exceptional acanthus detailing engraved on the fences. The maker’s name “PURDEY” bolsters the bottom of each lock. Double bite action. Excellent condition on the interior of the action, with minimal powder marks on the face.
Matching serial numbers “57xx” throughout the gun on the action, fore-end, and trigger guard. Although there are no serial numbers on the barrels, they also look original to the gun; the antique London black powder proof marks between barrels and action are all matching and age appropriate. The original antique London proof house black powder proof marks are on the left and right barrels just above the flats, denoting the “definitive” proof mark with a script “GP” under a crown. The accompanying antique London “view” mark “V” under a crown is on the action flats. Additional number “39xxx” and letter “B” underneath the rib. The finish, condition, and engraving on the rib are the same as the rest of the gun. The patination on the barrels and rib are identical. In very good condition overall, albeit with some fading to the bluing as expected of a gun this age. This gun comes in at a lightweight 6 pounds 12 ounces.
Barrels underwent complete inspection and re-proofing in 1985, with the flats stamped to confirm their safety & compliance with modern testing standards. Contemporary Birmingham proof marks show that it has undergone British Nitro Proof (NP) testing with contemporary “BP”, “BV” and “NP” under crowns indicating Birmingham Proof House measurements and standard “NITRO PROOF” compliance at “3 TONS” pressure for 16 bore chambers (16 over ‘c’ in a diamond). The inspection date of 1985 is confirmed in the lower left-hand corner of the flats with crossed swords and senior examiner’s mark. As Terry Wieland highlights in his book “Vintage British Shotguns,” he states “If you buy an English gun… and the proof marks show it has been nitro proofed – that is, proven with smokeless powder – you know it’s safe to shoot with loads of the length and gauge marked.”
The 28 & 3/4” barrels with brass sight bead have been well taken care of over the past century and a half, with seemingly little use, and outstanding strong measurements coming in at 40,000th thickness for the right wall and 37,000th left wall thickness, and a flawless mirrored interior – no marks or pitting. With continued good care and cleaning after each shoot, this collector’s item should offer great future hunting well into the next century – a future family heirloom for generations to come. The chambers with extractors are sized for 2 & 1/2” (65 mm) shells, and has chokes of approximately improved cylinder and ¼ choke. The interior of the bores are mirrors, while the outer barrels have aged bluing with only the faintest of handling marks.
The well figured stock has nice sharp checkering throughout the hand and a handsome dark grain, steel buttplate with matching engraving and mild pitting near the top of the butt plate, a brass oval on the underside of the stock suitable for engraving, and a 14 & 3/4” pull. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action. Sharply checkered fore-end wood with engraved fore-end base and tip and Anson plunger release, very minor wear in one or two spots along the edges. Good overall length and fit to this gun with its slightly longer stock and almost 29” barrels provide for balanced shooting.
This collector’s item is housed in a Victorian period-appropriate beautiful oak and leather Purdey gun case with green felt interior, leather straps and leather handle in good condition, with brass hardware, lock and original key. The antique hammergun case has its original antique Purdey maker’s decals and felt showing age-related staining and wear. Some cracking to top front of leather, but overall solid condition. One 16 bore chrome Purdey snap-cap also included.
This is a chance to own one of the finest shotguns of the Victorian era or afterwards, made by arguably the best shotgun maker in the world; James Purdey & Sons made ONLY best-quality shotguns. It’s also an investment-grade antique that can be taken into the field without the worry or expense of spending upper five or six figures.
Virtually no blemishes on the gun despite being a 150+ year old antique, mechanically and functionally perfect and ready for the next 150 years of shooting. A fine example of the master craftsmanship in UK gun-making from arguably the world’s best shotgun maker and premier member of the “Big 3” of Britain’s most famous craftsmen Purdey, Holland & Holland, and Boss & Co. With the growing popularity of wildfowling using classic British shotguns, and a surge in enthusiasm for hammer guns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without absolutely breaking the bank. Affordable luxury; ready for your next century of shooting!
Terry Weiland, author of the reference “Vintage British Shotguns,” states that “James Purdey is the pre-eminent name in the British gun trade, regardless of claims (however legitimate and justified they may be) of other firms. In the public mind, whether they know anything about guns or not, a Purdey is simply the best – and not just the best in the United Kingdom, but the best in the world. Purdey has maintained a standard of style and workmanship that is the envy of other gunmakers, even such legendary firms as Boss, Woodward and Holland & Holland. A Purdey hammer gun is a joy to handle.”
Noted British gun specialist Jack Rowe rates Purdeys as follows: “What can one say? On a par with Holland & Holland. Everyone knows the history. Best hammer guns. Best sidelocks. The best there is.” Expert George Caswell agrees and describes their “quality is always superb…and command a premium of 40 to 50 percent.” And renowned British gun expert Geoffrey Boothroyd confirms that “Purdey retain(s) their place in the forefront of British gunmakers.”
This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a U.S. military family stationed in the UK, and ship at an insured and flat rate of $125 because this package with the gun case is heavy; usually takes about three weeks to arrive in the US. Online member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via PayPal or certified bank check accepted. Please note I am not a dealer and not an expert, but a private collector, have tried to enter all the details I am aware of for this gun, and will try to answer any questions as best I can. I am downsizing my collection and hope to find other US enthusiasts of classic English shotguns to re-home a few of these pieces. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, vintage, side by side, British, English, double barrel, 12 gauge, 12 ga, 12g, 12 bore, side lock, sidelock, Purdy, J. Purdey, hammer gun, hammers.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: J. Purdey & Sons
Serial Number: 57xx
Bore: 16 gauge
Condition: antique
Wood Condition: well figured
Bore Condition: mirror
Barrel Type: sxs
Triggers: 2x
Stock: English straight-hand
Stock Cast: none
LOP: 14 & 3/4
Rib: game
Weight: 6 pounds 12 ounces
Manufacture Date: 1858
Choke Left: 1/4
Choke Right: IC
Engraving: Purdey
Case: leather maker's
Proof:Nitro: yes
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 40,000
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 37,000