Stunning and Massive Master Rashid El Hadi Signed and Elephant Engraved James Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Sidelock Dangerous Game Double Rifle in .600 Nitro Express with Case

Completed in 1991, this massive Purdey double rifle stands as a testament to the firm’s two centuries of dedication to producing some of the world’s finest guns. Since the flintlock era, Purdey has remained at the forefront of craftsmanship and innovation, and their rifles in .600 Nitro Express are among the rarest and most formidable of all. Reportedly, fewer than 20 examples were ever produced. As powerful as it is elegant, this rifle was designed to bring down the largest game on earth while exemplifying Purdey’s unmatched artistry.

The blued steel chopperlump barrels are fitted with a blade front sight with flip-up moon bead and Purdey’s distinctive two-piece clamshell sight protector. A two-leaf rear sight (one standing, one folding) is mounted on the matted quarter rib, signed “J. Purdey & Sons.” and “London – England” on either side, with “.600 Nitro Express” engraved in the sunken rib. The barrel flats bear 1988 London nitro proof marks, and the chambers are equipped with automatic ejectors and a front sling swivel.

The barrels are paired with a massive brush-bright bolstered sideclipped Beesley self-opening sidelock action with a third fastener. The action showcases exceptional deep-cut floral scroll engraving interspersed with numerous elephant heads, the scrolls flowing from their raised trunks to dramatic effect. The darkened background creates strong contrast against banners reading “J. Purdey & Sons” on each lockplate, gold-inlaid “600/NITRO” on the trigger guard, and the serial number in gold on the lower tang. Deeply carved fences continue the elephant motif. This masterful engraving was executed by Rashid El Hadi in 1990, his signature appearing on the left lockplate and triggerplate.

Features include bushed firing pins, a right-hand rolled triggerguard, double triggers, raised rib cocking indicators, and a bolted safety with gold-inlaid “Safe/Fire” indicators on the extended top tang. The beautifully figured walnut forend is double border multi-point checkered and accented by an engraved brushed-bright iron with Anson button release. The matching stock includes the same finely cut checkering, an engraved trapdoor grip cap, a shadowline cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, blank gold inscription oval, and an engraved skeleton buttplate framing the checkered bare butt.

The rifle is housed in a fitted oak and elephant-hide takedown case lined in red baize, complete with a full suite of accessories including cleaning tools, turnscrews, snap caps, and oiler. The case perfectly complements this outstanding rifle.

The makers have confirmed completion in 1991, verifying the current barrel length, caliber, stock dimensions, weight, skeleton buttplate, gold inscription oval, “old silver” finish, and engraving by Master Engraver R. L. Hadi.

Length of pull: 14 3/4 inches. Weight: 15 lbs. 1 oz.