Guns International #: 103302352

Category - Purdey Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double

Category
Purdey Shotguns
Shotguns - English Double

Purdey and Sons Thumb lever Bar-In-Wood Hammer gun 12 bore

Description:
James Purdey & Sons 12 gauge antique bar in wood hammergun, has been proofed for modern shells. 
 
This beautiful work of art has finally made it to the US and is available here at Selwood Farma.

James Purdey & Sons has confirmed that this 12 gauge thumblever bar-in-wood hammergun (serial number 79xx) was manufactured in 1869.  What makes Purdey’s pedigree even more extraordinary is the fact that all shotgun manufacturing, engraving, fitting, etc., down to the thousandth of an inch, was hand-crafted without the assistance of automated machining, computer measurements, or electronic assistance. Absolute master craftsmen invested hundreds of hours into each shotgun they made by hand, with hundreds of additional hours devoted to the engraving, fitting & finishing of each Best Quality piece. 
 
An unusual find with all original components, a thumb-lever release mechanism, and original numbered case with tools, No. 79xx’s handsome sidelocks are in keeping with the usage of 'Purdey' on each lock, as the '& Sons' was not added until the end of 1877. In beautiful condition, the action, locks, hammers, and top strap are hand-engraved in ornate and finely detailed patterns in typical Purdey fashion:  acanthus scrollwork and spiral constellations on both locks and each side of the rounded action, with similar bold acanthus engraving on the floorplate; vine scrollwork on the trigger guard and thumb lever; extremely fine and bold scrollwork on the toplever and elongated dolphin-style non-rebounding hammers, with “PATENT” in an oval; and exceptional vinework detailing engraved on the fences.  The maker’s name “PURDEY” bolsters the bottom of each lock. Double bite action. Excellent condition on the interior of the action, with minimal powder marks on the face. 
 
Matching serial numbers “79xx” throughout the gun on the barrels, fore-end, and trigger guard. The original antique London proof house black powder proof marks are on the left and right barrel flats, denoting the “definitive” proof mark with a script “GP” under a crown.  The accompanying antique London “view” mark “V” under a crown is also on the barrel flats. These same original London accompanying proof marks are likewise on the action flats. The action flats are also marked “No. 2” as the second “Best Quality” piece in an original four gun set as annotated by Purdeys.  This gun comes in at a lightweight 6 pounds 11 ounces. 
 
Barrels have undergone complete inspection and re-proofing, with the flats stamped to confirm their safety & compliance with modern testing standards.  Contemporary Birmingham proof marks show that it has undergone British Nitro Proof (NP) testing with the contemporary “BP” under a crown indicating Birmingham Proof House measurements and standard “NITRO PROOF” compliance for 12 bore chambers (“12” in a diamond).   Additional London proof marks show that it has undergone more recent British Nitro Proof (NP) testing, including the London heraldic marks of “NP” surmounted by an arm dexter in armor holding a scimitar.  Later re-testing marks are also present, with the London script “R” under a crown denoting reproof, as well as post-2005 testing as confirmed by the “STD” under a crown, all indicating Proof House re-proofing measurements and standard nitro proof compliance to accommodate modern 2 & 3/4” shells (“70MM” annotated on the flats showing 70 mm metric measurement).  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.” 
 
Exceptional Damascus barrels with beautiful patterns and great measurements – rare to find a Purdey with original Damascus in such outstanding condition.  The 30” barrels with brass sight bead have been well taken care of over the past century and a half, with seemingly little use, and outstanding strong measurements coming in at 25,000th thickness for the right wall and 30,000th left wall thickness, and a flawless mirrored interior – no marks or pitting.  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 chambers with extractors are sized for 2 & 3/4” (70 mm) shells, and has chokes of approximately improved cylinder in both barrels.  The interior of the bores are mirrors, while the outer barrels have handsome brown aged Damascus coloring with only the faintest of handling marks. 
 
The well figured stock has nice sharp checkering throughout the hand and a handsome dark grain, checkered buttplate, a brass oval on the underside of the stock suitable for engraving, and a 14 & 5/8” pull. There is the finest seam in the wood grain just in front of the trigger plate (not crack) but absolutely no break whatsoever in the grain and zero separation to the wood – looks to be original to the stock and quite old, but wanted to note any slight blemish for full disclosure. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action. Beautifully patterned Damascus game rib is engraved with the maker’s details and reads “J. PURDEY, 314 ½ OXFORD STREET, LONDON.”  Sharply checkered fore-end wood with engraved fore-end base and tip and crosspin release. Good overall length and fit to this gun with its slightly longer stock and 30” barrels provide for balanced shooting. 
 
This collector’s item is housed in its original Victorian beautiful oak and leather Purdey gun case with red felt interior, leather straps and leather handle all in good condition, with brass hardware, brass corners, lock and original key.  The antique hammergun case has its original antique Purdey maker’s decals matched to this gun, showing some age-related staining and wear.  There is also some age-related staining and wear to the exterior leather as expected of a 150+ year old case, but overall solid and handsome condition, including vintage train travel decals.  One chrome Purdey oil bottle also included, along with chrome cartridge extractor, original gunmaker’s turnscrew, cleaning rod and cleaning tool with accessories, and a letter from Purdey’s discussing the history and provenance of this piece. 
 
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 sidelock shotguns.  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. 
 
Looks to be a small repair on the left hand bottom side of the receiver next to the trigger well. I have reason to believe this was inspected by or repaired by Purdey due to the letter and providence. Despite being a 150+ year old antique, this shotgun is 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, and a surge in enthusiasm for hammer guns, this is a great combination of beauty and function without absolutely breaking the bank. Affordable luxury; ready for your next century of shooting.

Feel free to give us a call to discuss a price out the door, shipping to an FFL of your choice. Cash, Check, Money Order or Credit Card - (3% fee) 

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Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge

Price: $16,500.00