Guns International #: 101220877

Category - Purdey Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double

Category
Purdey Shotguns
Shotguns - English Double

Frederick Beesley (From Purdey’s) 12 Bore Back Action Barlock Sidelock Ejector

Description:
***   SOLD   ***   Frederick Beesley needs little introduction having in the late 1800’s designed and patented several important and unique mechanisms for the London guntrade, not least the famous self-opening action produced by James Purdey right up to the present day. The gun we have here was produced some 10 years later than the patent that Purdey purchased and it is interesting that Beesley has here used a design, complete with ejectors and lock work, from that famous ‘Gunmaker to the Trade’ Thomas Southgate. Southgate’s patent covers his famous ejector, interceptor sears, ejector trip and bridle design. The gun was re-barrelled in 1980 and restocked probably around the same time. Both are professional, good quality replacements but we know not by whom. With its well figured replacement walnut stock, replacement steel barrels and sensitive restoration, this shotgun would make an excellent gun for both game and clays. Made in 1891 this Beesley, number 1237, has been recently refurbished by Toby Barclay of Heritage Guns UK.   ***   The action is of Thomas Southgate’s design and features: Double triggers bolted by an automatic top tang safety slide; 10 pin Back action locks with interceptor sears; Top lever operating a Purdey bolt via a Scott Spindle; Top rib extension 3rd bite; Roger’s cocking levers; Southgate ejectors; Anson pushrod forend catch. Gun weight 6lb 7oz. Engraving style Best Bouquet & Foliate Scroll. Toplever engraved ‘PATENT’ in an oval. Locks signed ‘FREDERICK BEESLEY FROM PURDEY’S PATENT’. Fences chiselled with Acanthus Leaves in relief. Flashes of Foliate Scroll on breech ends.Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 ½ lbs Rear trigger 4 ½ lbs.   ***    The replacement nitro steel barrels (in 1980) are 28" in length, chambered for 2 ¾ ” (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs. Top rib is of smooth, concave, game type. The bores are clean and free of pitting. Birmingham re-proof for 70mm nitro cartridges in 2018. The right barrel is bored 0.732 with a constriction of 0.012 for Improved Cylinder choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.024, The left barrel is also bored 0.732 and has a constriction of 0.026 for Improved Modified choke. Minimum wall thickness is 0.024.   ***   Replacement Straight Hand Stock and Splinter Forend are crafted from well figured walnut. The stock is cast-off for a right-handed shot, features a vacant white metal oval, well defined drop points and is finished with a 3/4” leather covered recoil pad.  The forend is fitted with a finely engraved steel tip. The 22 approx. lines per inch checkering is freshened to its original sidelock pattern. The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers. This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre, only many hours of alternate build and flatting off of the surface. Stock dimensions are 15-1/16” by 1-7/16” by 2-3/8”.   ***   With it carved fences this handsome gun would make a fine addition to any collection. Great for game and clays. ***   US Agent for Heritage Guns UK. Buyer is responsible for all shipping, insurance and related charges. I give a three-day non-firing inspection and will only accept returns if gun is not as described.

SOLD

Antique: Yes