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

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