description

J. Purdey & Sons 12g Sidelock Ejector Game Gun

A wonderful example of a between-the-wars, “golden era”, Purdey game gun. Beesley’s patented self-opening sidelock ejector remaining in stunningly high, original condition retaining much of its vivid original case colors on the action body and most of the original black on the barrels and furniture.

The action features Purdey’s very rare single, non-selective gate trigger. Single triggers on Purdey’s guns are rarely encountered on guns made before 1950. This one is the second iteration of the original Nobb’s SNST first patented in 1911. This was an improved version, re-designed by Messrs. Harry and Ernest Lawrence in the 1920’s. The trigger is swept and the guard bow rolled for a right-hand shooter and it is also fitted with disk set strikers, auto safety with “SAFE” inlaid in gold, and cocking indicators that have raised platinum ribs.

Purdey’s classic Rose & Scroll engraving was expertly cut and beautifully laid out, the Maker’s name engraved on the bottom of the lock plates and bottom of the action body. The R&S engraving on Purdey’s guns from this era is much of the reason this is one of the most copied engraving patterns on side by side guns. There is also a very well cut monogram on the guard bow: A H B.

The stock has a straight hand, traditional drop points, and a 13 7/8” LOP over a checkered butt. The splinter forend has an Anson push rod release and both the stock and forend have flat top checkering with Mullered borders. The stock and forend retain much of its original hand rubbed oil finish and remain free of any cracks or repairs.

The 26” Sir Joseph Whitworth steel barrels also remain in original proof and excellent, both measuring .733” with just .005” choke in the right barrel and .012” in the left barrel. The barrel lump is engraved “Cylinder” and the original 2 5/8” chambers match the original London proofs ( 2 5/8” and 1 1/8 oz ca. 1925-1954).

There is a very small dent in the bottom rib, but the barrels remain excellent and chime like bells. The top rib is engraved: “J. Purdey & Sons. Audley House. South Audley Street. London.” and “Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth Fluid Pressed Steel”

Purdey's guns made between the wars, rarely come to market in such high, original condition.  

share