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James Purdey & Sons 12 gauge auto-opening antique sidelock fully in proof
Guns International #: 102197174 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Purdey Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double Antique
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
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 12 gauge auto-opening antique sidelock fully in proof PRICE REDUCED
“James Purdey & Sons is the preeminent 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.” (Terry Wieland, Vintage British Shotguns).
The intricacy and detail in this 1886 antique masterpiece is the perfect exhibit of why Purdey’s reputation is so richly deserved. I’ve owned several Purdeys before, but the minute features in the engraving and the attention to detail in this fully-handcrafted work of art is unlike others I’ve seen before. Hundreds of hours were invested by the craftsmen who machined each piece of metal without the benefit of computers, laser measurements, or even electricity. Hundreds more were spent hand engraving the finest bouquets and scrollwork, custom-fitting and finishing woodwork to fore-end and stock to action, and creating strong featherweight barrels that cannot be matched by today’s mechanized standards.
Starting with the action, this sidelock is embellished with the traditional Purdey bouquet in the center of the 7-pin action, which is also surrounded by ornate acanthus scrollwork, floral designs, and vines along the edges. Again, the smallest and finest engraving details down to the thousandth of an inch are among the most intricate I’ve seen and are remarkable when considering it was all done solely by the hands and eyes of a master craftsman. The maker’s name “J. PURDEY & SONS” anchors the bottom edge of each lock. Cocking indicators engraved with an arrow are on each side. It is also an auto-opener which readily springs open for easy cartridge extraction from the bores.
Stocked to the fences, each fence is highlighted by bouquets, acanthus scrollwork, and additional floral patterns at the bottom. The toplever is likewise engraved with scrollwork, while the topstrap is engraved in a rich paisley pattern. The engraved and checkered automatic safety is inlaid in gold “SAFE” at the top. The interior of the action, action flats, and faces are all flawless with no pitting or powder marks. Triple bite action with hidden third bite locks up tight with zero movement. Faces have hand-detachable disc set strikers. Antique proof marks are on the action flats denoted by the original London black power proof marks, starting with the definitive proof marks of a “GP” under a crown, and the “View” mark under a crown.
The floorplate is similarly engraved with dual bouquets, acanthus scrollwork throughout, and the maker’s details “PURDEY’S PATENT” in the center. Trigger guard is handsomely blued and engraved with more vines and scrollwork, with serial number 12### along the back strap.
This gun looks to be the twin of Purdey sidelock serial number 12272 (made in 1885), which sold at Charlton Hall in December 2007 in excess of $16,250 after commission and taxes were applied. This 12### gun made just a few months later presents an opportunity to acquire the same exceptional quality at less than 2007 pricing.
This Purdey is a rare find with its original 29” barrels in virtually flawless condition. The original antique London proof house black powder proof marks are on the left and right barrel flats, denoting the “definitive” proof marks with a script “GP” under a crown, as well as the provisional proof marks of a lion rampant over the script letters “GP”. Barrels have undergone complete inspection and re-proofing, with the flats stamped to confirm their safety & compliance with modern testing standards. Contemporary London proof marks show recent British Nitro Proof (NP) testing, including the London heraldic marks of “NP” surmounted by an arm dexter in armor holding a scimitar and standard “NITRO PROOF” compliance for 12 bore chambers (“12” in a diamond), as well as the crown and script “R” to denote reproof. These London Proof House re-proofing measurements and standard nitro proof compliance accommodate modern 2 & 1/2” shells (“65MM” annotated on the flats showing 65 mm metric measurement), and 850 BAR proof pressures. 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 exterior of the barrels have warm bluing and almost no handling marks, while the interiors are spotless mirrors. Serial number 12### are on each barrel round ahead of the flats, with the maker’s details “J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID-PRESSED STEEL” lightly engraved and still visible on the game rib. Extremely lightweight with responsive handling, wall thickness measurements come in at a strong 23,000+th & 23,000+th for both the left and right barrels, and bore measurements of .735- & .735- . Chokes measure cylinder and ¼ choke. Purdey’s traditional 29” barrels are often considered the ideal hunting length, offering a great overall fit to this gun; with its slightly longer stock and 29” barrels, this combo provides balanced shooting, especially coming in at a lightweight 6 pounds 13 ounces. 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 well figured stock has nice sharp checkering throughout the hand and a dark grain with a beautiful tiger-striped pattern throughout the wood, a handsome black Bakelite buttplate and red recoil pad, a brass oval on the underside of the stock suitable for engraving, and a 15 & 1/4” pull. The fore-end is likewise sharply checkered with an engraved base and tip with an Anson plunger release and matching serial number 12### on the hardware beneath. The approximate stock measurements are as follows: 1 & 1/2" drop to comb, 2" drop to heel, 7 & 1/4" drop to toe, 15 & 1/4" length of pull.
This collector’s item is housed in a customized beautiful oak and leather gun case with red felt interior, leather straps and case lid branded with initials “RHA,” and leather handle all in good condition, with brass hardware, brass corners, and brass lock. There is some age-related staining and wear to the exterior leather as expected of an antique case, but overall solid and handsome condition; original red baize interior likewise has some age related wear and staining. One chrome oil bottle also included, along with its hardwood cleaning rod and cleaning tools with accessories.
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 sidelocks. 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 137+ 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, 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 “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.” 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 to four weeks to arrive in the US. However, for purchases at or above the list price I will cover the cost of shipment. Online member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via certified bank check and other methods 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.
Price: $15,995.00
Antique: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: J. Purdey & Sons
Model: Best
Serial Number: 12###
Barrel Length: 29
Bore: 12 gauge
Chambers: 2 and 1/2
Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: well figured
Bore Condition: mirror
Barrels: sxs
Action: sidelock auto opening
Triggers: 2x
Stock: English straight-hand
Stock Cast: none
Fore End: splinter
Butt Pad: yes
LOP: 15 and 1/4
Rib: game
Weight: 6 lbs. 13 oz.
Manufacture Date: 1886
Chokes: fixed
Choke Left: 1/4
Choke Right: cyl
Extras: oil bottle, cleaning tools
Case: yes
Proof:Nitro: yes
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 23,000+
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 23,000+