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Purdey Beautiful 2 3/4" Nitro Proof 12 Gauge Under-lever Hammergun Built for 7th Earl Cowper
Guns International #: 103257370 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Purdey Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Grouse Grove
Member Since: 3/17/07
State: Montana
Country: United States
Phone: (406) 442-2322
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 11
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted:
Description:
Here is a spectacular 12 gauge under-lever back-action hammergun by James Purdey, built in 1863 for Francis Thomas de Grey Cowper, the 7th Earl Cowper. It was built as the first of a pair of percussion guns, which were subsequently converted to breech-loading. The nitro-proved barrels are 31 1/2" with beautiful Damascus figure and shiny bores. The rib is engraved: J. PURDEY, 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET, LONDON. The lined chambers are 2 3/4", and both barrels have true cylinder choke. The gun locks up tight as new, and the non-rebounding locks function crisply. The action, peninsula lock-plates and under-lever have best-quality acanthus scroll engraving. The long under-lever has an integral grip safety. The keyed fore-end has an engraved finial. The strikingly figured stock measures 1 5/8" x 2 1/2" x 14 3/8" over a checkered horn butt-plate. There is slight cast off (for a right hand shot.) When Lord Cowper ordered the gun he asked for it to be "thin at the face," and the gun at a later date was restored to a conventional dimension at the comb by means of a very well executed insert (see photos.) The wood has some scratches near the butt, and a small ding in the fore-end checkering. The weight is 6 lbs 15 oz. This magnificent and unique Purdey is not only a work of art, but absolutely shootable.
Here is a bit about Francis Thomas de Grey Cowper. He was born in 1834, and died in 1905. In 1880, when William Gladstone became Prime Minister for the second time, he appointed Lord Cowper Lord Lieutentant of Ireland, in which capacity he served for several years during a turbulent chapter of Irish history. But throughout his life, from the time of his youth, Lord Cowper's primary love was shooting. One account of his years at university describes him like this: "He did not row or play cricket at Oxford, but was addicted to riding and shooting."
Here is an opportunity to own Lord Cowper's Purdey.
Price: $5,600.00
Antique: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge