James Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Sidelock Ejector Double Barrel Shotgun Two Barrel Set 12 GA

Description:
Originally ordered by famed collector Norman R. Blank in the 1960s and completed in 1986, this extraordinary 12 bore London Best from J. Purdey & Sons represents one of the finest collaborative works ever executed by legendary Master Engraver Ken C. Hunt. Included correspondence from Hunt details that the project began in 1965 when Blank supplied classical sculpture references for the engraving, though the work was delayed for decades. Hunt later remarked the finished gun represented “three times the quality” possible earlier in his career and considered it among his finest achievements. The gun was subsequently awarded the Gold Medal at the inaugural Gold Medal Concours d’Elegance for Fine Guns in 2001.
Built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted flat solid rib, the gun retains proper London proof marks, 3 inch chambers, automatic ejectors, and chokes marked “60%” and “75%,” equivalent to modified and full. The matching second 28 inch barrel set is choked approximately improved cylinder and improved modified at “56%” and “65%.” Barrel measurements for the primary set show bores measuring .731/.729 with .017/.040 constriction and minimum wall thicknesses of .037/.033 inches, while the extra set measures .731/.728 with .008/.019 constriction and minimum wall thicknesses of .038/.036 inches.
The coin finished Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action is nothing short of spectacular, displaying masterfully sculpted deep relief engraving inspired by Greco-Roman mythology of the sea. The underside depicts Venus emerging on a scallop shell after Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” while the lockplates feature highly detailed mythological scenes with tritons bearing “J. PURDEY & SONS” banners. The engraving is signed three times by Ken Hunt, including “Sculpted by Ken C. Hunt” between the fences and dated “K.C. Hunt 86” on the lockplates.
Additional features include bushed firing pins, double triggers, a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE,” a beautifully figured multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and Anson release, and a stunning straight grip stock with carved drop points, gold “N.R.B.” oval, and checkered butt. The gun is housed in its fitted wood and canvas trunk case with accessories and matching tools. Weighing just 6 lbs. 13 oz. with a 15 9/16 inch length of pull and elegant cast-on dimensions, this is an exceptionally refined and historically important Purdey combining world class London gunmaking with museum quality engraving artistry.

Condition:
Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original blue finish with slight wear at the muzzle, 99% original coin finish, minor handling evidence, a few small scratches on the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with storage and transit wear. The extra barrel set is excellent with some light wear. 

Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: James Purdey & Sons
Model: SxS
Barrel Length: 30
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Excellent
Barrels: 2
Triggers: Double
Case: Yes

Price: $118,999.99
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