Gorgeous Master Philippe Grifnee Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid J. Purdey & Sons Self Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun Three Barrel Set with Case

Originally completed in 1923, this exceptional gun was masterfully upgraded by world-renowned Master Engraver Philippe Grifnee, who adorned it with exquisite scrollwork and gold inlays.

The gun features blued steel chopperlump barrels with a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib, signed “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL,” along with a gold-inlaid “1” star at the base and a single gold band at the breech. The 26-inch barrels (tube Nos. 22248/49) bear period London 16-gauge proof marks. They are fitted to a brushed bright finished Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action displaying extensive, beautifully cut floral scroll engraving surrounding gold “J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON” signatures on either side, with relief gold-inlaid floral bouquets and leaves on the fences and toplever. The action also features three relief gold-inlaid game scenes: a pair of mallards landing on a pond on the left lockplate, a pointing dog on the underside, and a trio of quail in flight in a forest on the right lockplate. Grifnee has signed his work “PH. GRIFNEE” on the triggerplate to the right of the triggers.

Additional features include bushed firing pins, clipped fences, hidden third fastener, cocking indicators on both lockplates, double triggers, and a tang-mounted automatic safety with stylized gold “SAFE” indicator. The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved and gold flourish on the forend iron, and a straight hand stock with teardrop-carved drop points and checkered bare butt.

Included are two extra matching-numbered barrel sets, both bearing 20-gauge proofs but bored to 16 gauge: a 26-inch set with a gold “2” on the rib (tube Nos. 38538/39) and a 30-inch set with a gold star on the rib (tube Nos. 54275/76). Also included is an oak and leather flat case with Purdey label housing the gun and two barrel sets, along with a spare set of strikers, cleaning tools, and an oil pot.

Barrel measurements:

Set “1” (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from breech .663/.662 inches; choke constriction .000/.000 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.031 inches.

Set “2” (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from breech .665/.667 inches; choke constriction .010/.009 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.029 inches.

Star-marked set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from breech .668/.666 inches; choke constriction .026/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.033 inches.

Stock measurements for star-marked set: drop at comb 1 9/16 inches; drop at heel 2 3/8 inches; length of pull 15 1/8 inches; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 4 oz.