Guns International #: 101634494
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Guns International #: 101634494
Category - Purdey Shotguns
- Shotguns - English Double Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: brandonhal
Company: Member Since: 2/23/14
First Name: Brandon
Last Name: Halstead
State:
AE
Zip: 09468
Country: United Kingdom
Phone:
Fax:
Active Listings: 4
Total Listings: 29
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: paypal; certified bank check
James Purdey & Sons 12 gauge / 12 bore top lever bar in wood antique hammergun in proof fully serviced.
Description: Offers. Traditional upland wildfowling at its finest. This is a fully functional, in-proof, recently serviced antique masterpiece by one of the world’s best shotgun makers. James Purdey & Sons has confirmed that this 12 gauge toplever bar-in-wood hammergun (serial number 122xx) was manufactured in 1885 during the height of James Purdey the Younger’s supervision and innovations for the company. Terry Weiland, author of the reference “Vintage British Shotguns,” states that “James Purdey is the pre-eminent name in the British gun trade, regardless of claims (however legitimate and justified they may be) of other firms. In the public mind, whether they know anything about guns or not, a Purdey is simply the best – and not just the best in the United Kingdom, but the best in the world.” Noted British gun specialist Jack Rowe rates Purdeys as follows: “What can one say? On a par with Holland & Holland. Everyone knows the history. Best hammer guns. Best sidelocks. The best there is.” Expert George Caswell agrees and describes their “quality is always superb…and command a premium of 40 to 50 percent.” And renowned British gun expert Geoffrey Boothroyd confirms that “Purdey retain(s) their place in the forefront of British gunmakers.” 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. In handsome condition, the action, locks, hammers, and top lever are hand-engraved in ornate and finely detailed patterns in typical Purdey fashion: acanthus scrollwork and floral bouquets on both locks and the floorplate; foliate scrollwork on the trigger guard; extremely fine scrollwork on the toplever and dolphin-style hammers; and floral and acanthus bouquets engraved on the fences. Although the left fence has some surface-level wear and two tiny abrasions, they are purely cosmetic and do not impact the fence or action. Hammers are non-rebounding, with exceptionally strong mainsprings, very minor wear to the top right hammer. The maker’s name “J. PURDEY & SONS” bolsters the bottom of each lock. Triple bite action, with hidden third bite inside the face. Minor wear to the locks’ edging (rear left & bottom right), but again cosmetic and does not affect the action. A gunsmith should be able to smooth any rough edges. Excellent condition on the interior of the action, with minimal powder marks on the face. Matching serial numbers “122xx” throughout the gun on both barrels, fore-end, and trigger guard, and matching number “xx” inside the action in the front bite. Purdey is renowned for the strength of their light and thin barrels offering responsive, lightweight guns unequaled by other makers. Invisible sleeving for these barrels is completely unnoticeable and may have been completed by a Purdey barrel maker; matching Purdey script serial numbers “122xx” are engraved on both barrels, and Purdey's details on the rib read “J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID-PRESSED STEEL.” This gun comes in at a featherweight 6 pounds 5 ounces. Antique proof marks on the barrel flats and action when it was originally black powder proof, including the original black powder London proof marks, starting with the definitive proof mark “GP” under a crown, view mark “V” under a crown, and the provisional proof mark lion rampant over intertwined letters “GP”. The barrels were subsequently reproofed for nitro shells as reflected by London proof house marks, and has undergone modern British Nitro Proof (“NP”) testing with the London arm dexter in armour holding a scimitar, confirming current nitro proof specifications / compliance and approved for contemporary loads at a pressure up to “850 BAR.” 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.” The 30” barrels with brass sight bead have strong measurements coming in at 33,000th thickness for the right wall and 36,000th left wall thickness, and a flawless mirrored interior – absolutely zero 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 modern 2 & 3/4” (70 mm) shells, and has chokes of improved cylinder and ¼ choke. The interior of the bores are perfect mirrors, while the outer barrels have bluing with only the faintest of handling marks. The well figured stock has nice checkering throughout the hand and a handsome dark grain, dark horn buttplate, a brass oval on underside of stock suitable for engraving, and a 14 & 1/2” pull. Additional antique leather-covered butt pad (perhaps previously attached to a prior fitting) also included. There is the thinnest old hairline seam or scratch in the wood beneath the stock near the floorplate, but shows absolutely no separation or crack in the wood and no impact to the stock. The barrels lock up tight with absolutely no play in the action. Sharply checkered fore-end wood with engraved fore-end base and tip and Anson plunger release. Finally, the entire gun has undergone recent full inspection, servicing, re-jointing, stripping & cleaning by UK master gunmaker Scott Wilson of Norfolk, including complete disassembly of the action, boiling out all the mechanisms in oil, & reassembly with full lubrication. This collector’s item is housed in a beautiful oak and leather Brady-style guncase with green felt interior, ebony and brass-tipped cleaning rods, leather straps and leather handle with brass hardware and lock. 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 shotguns. It’s also an investment-grade antique that can be taken into the field without the worry or expense of spending five or six figures. All said, there are a few abrasions on some of the metalwork edges, but definitely no rust anywhere, and any rough edges are purely cosmetic and not noticeable unless performing an up-close inspection, and may be remedied by a gunsmith who can smooth and polish things. Accordingly, it is priced well below what other Purdey bar-in-wood hammerguns have listed for on this and other sites. Otherwise the gun functions perfectly, with extremely fine engraving, marbled wood and perfect barrels. Overall very few cosmetic blemishes on the gun despite being a 135+ year old antique, otherwise 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! This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a U.S. military family stationed in the UK, and ship at an insured and flat rate of $125 because this package with the gun case is heavy; usually takes two to three weeks to arrive in the US. Online member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback. Payment via PayPal or certified bank check accepted. Please note I am not a dealer and not an expert, but a private collector, have tried to enter all the details I am aware of for this gun, and will try to answer any questions as best I can. I am downsizing my collection and hope to find other US enthusiasts of classic English shotguns to re-home a few of these pieces. Thanks for your interest. Key words: sxs shotgun, vintage, side by side, British, English, double barrel, 12 gauge, 12 ga, 12g, 12 bore, side lock, sidelock, Purdy, J. Purdey, hammer gun, hammers, Purdey hammer. SOLD Antique: Yes Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge Manufacturer: J. Purdey & Sons Serial Number: 122xx Bore: 12 gauge Chambers: 2 & 3/4 Condition: antique Wood Condition: well figured Bore Condition: mirror Barrel Type: sxs Triggers: 2x Stock: English straight-hand Stock Cast: none LOP: 14 & 1/2 Rib: game Weight: 6 pounds 5 ounces Manufacture Date: 1885 Choke Left: 1/4 Choke Right: IC Case: leather Proof:Nitro: yes Minimum Wall Thickness Left: 36,000 Minimum Wall Thickness Right: 33,000 |
Guns International #: 101634494
Guns International #: 101634494