Wonderful Factory Engraved J. Purdey & Sons Self-Opening Sidelock Double Barrel Shotgun with Case
A superb collector-grade J. Purdey & Sons shotgun, this fine example combines the firm’s legendary Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action, classic Purdey engraving, richly figured wood, and valuable maker-associated details throughout. With London proof marks, named craftsmen’s initials, and its maker’s leather motor case with accessories, it offers exceptional appeal for the serious British sporting gun collector.
- Built by J. Purdey & Sons, London, one of the most prestigious names in best-quality English gunmaking
- Features black chopperlump steel barrels—a highly regarded traditional best-gun barrel construction prized by collectors
- Barrels have a single bead sight on a smooth game rib
- Rib is marked: “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.”
- Decorative scroll flourish at the base of the rib marking
- Import mark present on the under rib
- 1977-dated London proof marks on the barrel flats
- Breeches feature single bands of engraving at either side
- Barrels bear the initials “A.H.” for barrel maker Alf Harvey, adding desirable maker/craftsman provenance
- Chambers are marked 2 3/4 inches
- Equipped with automatic ejectors for positive shell ejection after firing
- Built on the celebrated Beesley patent self-opening sidelock bar-action, a hallmark Purdey mechanism admired for its elegance, speed, and mechanical refinement
- Action retains vibrant casehardened coloring, enhancing both visual appeal and collector desirability
- Lockplates display classic Purdey bouquet and small English scroll engraving
- Each lockplate is signed “J. PURDEY & SONS.”
- Underside is marked “J. PURDEY & SONS./LONDON/ENGLAND”
- Engraving continues across the:
- Toplever
- Trigger guard
- Upper and lower tangs
- Lower tang area surrounding the serial number
- Fitted with bushed firing pins, a desirable best-gun feature that aids long-term serviceability
- Traditional double triggers
- Ribbed cocking indicators, allowing the user to see and feel cocked status
- Tang-mounted automatic safety
- Safety features a gold-inlaid “SAFE” indicator
- Handsome splinter forend with:
- Richly figured wood
- Mullered borders
- Multi-point checkering
- Engraved black iron
- Casehardened Anson push-button release
- Forend bears “B.D.” initials for actioner Ben Delay, another valuable craftsman-identification detail
- Straight grip stock with:
- Highly attractive, richly figured wood
- Teardrop-carved drop points
- Gold stock oval engraved “PWC”
- Checkered butt
- Includes a maker’s leather motor case, an important collector accessory
- Interior lid of the case includes a serial-numbered data sheet
- Also included:
- Cleaning tools
- Nickeled canister, currently stuck closed
- Snap caps
- Oiler
- Barrel and stock measurements, right/left where applicable:
- Bore diameter measured 9 inches from the breech: proofed and measured at .729 inches
- Choke constriction: .021/.032 inches
- Minimum wall thickness: .029/.031 inches
- Drop at comb: 1 1/2 inches
- Drop at heel: 1 15/16 inches
- Length of pull: 15 13/16 inches
- Stock has cast-off
- Weight: 6 lbs. 14 oz.
A beautifully appointed Purdey with named-maker details, classic engraving, original-style accessories, and best-gun mechanical features, this shotgun stands out as a highly desirable addition to an advanced collection of fine British sporting arms.
Very fine, retaining 95% original black finish with most of the loss coming on the lower tang, 98% original vibrant case colors, light handling evidence, some scratches and pressure marks on the wood, and overall sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some storage/transit wear. A fine opportunity to own a classic British double!
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