Hunt Engraved James Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Sidelock Shotgun

This is a historically significant and artistically extraordinary J. Purdey & Sons 12-gauge sidelock ejector, completed in 1986 after an unusually long commissioning period spanning over two decades.

Originally ordered in the 1960s by Norman R. Blank, the engraving was entrusted to legendary English Master Engraver Ken C. Hunt. According to the included correspondence, work began in concept form in 1965 when Blank provided Hunt with reference images of classical sculptures. However, actual execution was delayed for many years, during which Hunt’s skill and reputation grew. In an October 16, 1986 letter to Blank, Hunt remarked that the delay had resulted in “results… 3 times the quality you would have had earlier” and called the piece “one of the best works I have ever done.” The engraving was delivered to Purdey on July 14, 1986, finished in their London workshop, and shipped to Blank. The gun later won the Gold Medal at the inaugural Gold Medal Concours d’Elegance for Fine Guns in 2001.

Barrels & Action

• Primary set: Blued steel chopperlump barrels, single bead sight on a matted flat solid rib. Left tube signed “J. PURDEY & SONS.” and right tube “AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND.”
• London proof marks on flats; breech band engraving; 3-inch chambers; automatic ejectors.
• Chokes marked “60%” (modified) right / “75%” (full) left, based on percentage of shot in a 30-inch circle at 40 yards.
• Beesley patent self-opening, side-clipped sidelock action, coin finished.

Engraving

• Deep relief, high-art scenes in the Greco-Roman classical tradition with a maritime theme.
• Underside: Venus on a scallop shell, inspired by Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
• Lockplates: Detailed sea mythology scenes, each with a triton holding a “J. PURDEY & SONS” banner.
• Signed three times: “Sculpted by Ken C. Hunt” (between fences), “K. C. HUNT” (right lockplate), and “K.C. HUNT 86” (left lockplate).

Furniture & Stock

• Bushed firing pins, double triggers, tang-mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE.”
• Highly figured walnut, splinter forend with engraved iron and Anson push-button release.
• Straight grip stock with tear drop drop points, gold oval engraved “N.R.B.” and scroll flourish.
• Checkered bare butt; cast-on configuration.

Second Barrel Set

• 28-inch chopperlump barrels, choked “56%” (improved cylinder) right / “65%” (improved modified) left.
• 3-inch chambers; automatic ejectors.

Accessories

• Original wood and canvas Purdey trunk-style case with “N.R.B.” on lid.
• Interior fitted for action and both barrel sets; contains three Purdey turnscrews, nickel oiler, and cleaning tools.

Measurements:

• Primary barrels (R/L): Proof .729″, measured .731″/.729″; choke .017″/.040″; min. wall .037″/.033″.
• Extra barrels (R/L): Proof .729″, measured .731″/.728″; choke .008″/.019″; min. wall .038″/.036″.
• Stock: Drop at comb 1 5/16″, drop at heel 2 1/16″; length of pull 15 9/16″; weight 6 lbs. 13 oz.

Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.

If you’d like, I can also create a condensed auction catalog–style entry that reads smoothly in one or two paragraphs while retaining all essential details. That way, it’s ready for a sales listing.