J. Purdey & Sons Self-Opening 12ga Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case

Description:
A superb James Purdey & Sons best-quality sidelock ejector completed circa 1966 and documented on page 195 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun and Rifle Makers: The Definitive History.” Built by one of the world’s most prestigious fine-gun makers, this Purdey combines classic London craftsmanship, a Beesley patent self-opening action, two matching-numbered 12 gauge barrel sets, and its maker’s leather motor case—an exceptional collector-grade offering.

• Completed circa 1966, according to page 195 of Donald Dallas’ “Purdey Gun and Rifle Makers: The Definitive History”
• Made by James Purdey & Sons, long regarded as one of the world’s premier makers of fine guns and rifles
• Best-quality London double with traditional Purdey craftsmanship and highly desirable collector provenance
• Barrel construction and configuration:
  • Blued steel chopperlump barrels, a premium barrel-making method associated with high-grade British doubles
  • Raised, matted, flat tapered solid rib
  • Single bead sight
  • “J. PURDEY & SONS.” engraved on the left tube
  • “AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.” engraved on the right tube
  • Single band of engraving at the breech
  • Import mark located under the forend
  • Period London nitro proof marks on the flats
  • 2 3/4 inch chambers
  • Equipped with Purdey’s Wem ejectors
  • Chokes marked “60%” on the right rear lump and “75%” on the left rear lump
• Action and engraving:
  • Casehardened Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action, one of Purdey’s most celebrated and collectible mechanical designs
  • Near full-coverage classic Purdey bouquet and scroll engraving
  • “J. PURDEY & SONS.” signature on each lockplate
  • “J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON/ENGLAND” marked on the underside
  • Bushed firing pins
  • Purdey’s gate single trigger
  • Ribbed cocking indicators on both lockplates
  • Gilded lock work
  • Tang-mounted manual safety
  • Gold-inlaid “SAFE” indicator
• Stock and forend:
  • Beautifully figured walnut
  • Multi-point checkered beavertail forend
  • Engraved blued forend iron
  • Anson button forend release
  • Straight-hand stock
  • Teardrop carved drop points
  • Gold “KAW” inlaid directly into the stock
  • Silver’s type rubber recoil pad
• Additional matching barrel set:
  • Includes a second matching-numbered 12 gauge barrel set
  • Second barrel set measures 26 1/2 inches
• Included maker’s case and accessories:
  • Maker’s leather motor case
  • Canvas cover
  • Factory data sheet on the interior lid
  • Pair of turnscrews
  • Cleaning tools
  • Spare set of strikers
• Measurements for the 26 1/2 inch barrel set, right/left:
  • Bore diameter measured nine inches from the breech:
    • Both proofed at .729 inches
    • Both measured .731 inches
  • Choke constriction: .007/.021 inches
  • Minimum wall thickness: .037/.036 inches
• Barrel and stock measurements, right/left:
  • Bore diameter measured nine inches from the breech:
    • Both proofed at .729 inches
    • Measured .734/.731 inches
  • Choke constriction: .014/.041 inches
  • Minimum wall thickness: .031/.032 inches
  • Drop at comb: 1 5/8 inches
  • Drop at heel: 2 3/8 inches
  • Length of pull: 14 7/16 inches
  • Cast-on
  • Weight: 7 lbs. 1 oz.
• Collector appeal:
  • Documented in Donald Dallas’ definitive Purdey history, adding important published provenance
  • Built by James Purdey & Sons at Audley House, one of the most respected names in fine gunmaking
  • Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action is a hallmark of Purdey excellence and a major desirability factor
  • Two matching-numbered 12 gauge barrel sets provide valuable versatility and completeness
  • Maker’s leather motor case, canvas cover, factory data sheet, tools, and spare strikers enhance originality, presentation, and long-term collector value

Condition

Very good overall, retaining 90% original blue finish with some brown hue on the barrels, 80% original dark case colors, some minor scattered spotting, mild handling evidence, some clouding in the wood finish, slightly oversized recoil pad, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and the extra barrel set is very good.

Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: Purdey J & Sons Ltd
Model: SxS
Serial Number: 27430
Barrel Length: 28 inch solid rib
Condition: The bores are mostly bright with very minor streaks.

Price: $28,999.99