Outstanding and Scarce Factory Casbard Engraved James Purdey & Sons Single Barrel Trap Shotgun with Case

Built with a blued steel barrel featuring dual white bead sights on the matted vent rib, signed “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.” on the left side. The barrel displays a single band of engraving at the breech, period London proof marks on the flats, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with an extractor. It is fitted to a sleek brushed bright Beesley-type self-opening sidelock action with a false sideplate on the right and a bushed firing pin.

The action exhibits Purdey’s “extra” finish large scroll engraving, with near-full coverage floral scrollwork surrounding the “J. PURDEY & SONS.” signatures on either side, including “J. PURDEY & SONS./LONDON/ENGLAND” on the underside, extending onto the toplever, triggerguard, and both tangs. The gun is fitted with an exceptionally well-figured trap-style forend with brushed bright and engraved forend iron featuring an Anson button release, and a pistol grip Monte Carlo stock with teardrop carved drop points, brushed bright engraved grip cap, scrollwork in the gold inscription oval, and an orange Silvers recoil pad.

The included factory letter confirms this 12-gauge Single Barrel Trap gun was completed in June 1970 with 32-inch barrels, 2 3/4 inch chambers, an ejector, full choke, scroll engraving, pistol grip stock with metal cap, and Silvers recoil pad. The letter notes the gun was restocked twice, hence the inclusion of a second stock, and lists the artisans involved, including engraver Casbard and actioner P. Nelson, founder of the highly regarded P.V. Nelson firm. Also included is a gold medal certificate from the Concours d’Elegance of Fine Arms, noting this is one of just 59 Single Barrel Trap Guns built, with only two completed in the large scroll engraving pattern. A fine lightweight leather takedown case marked with the Purdey trade label is included, along with an outer canvas cover marked “HENRY CHAPMAN” containing the second stock, two leather-covered recoil pads, nickel oiler, two turnscrews, a snap cap, and cleaning tools.

Barrel and stock measurements: bore diameter nine inches from the breech, proofed at .729 inches and measured .731 inches; choke constriction .035 inches; minimum wall thickness .050 inches; drop at comb 1 5/16 inches; drop at heel 1 3/8 inches; length of pull 14 7/16 inches; weight 7 lbs. 12 oz.