Description:
Purdey BEST Sidelock Self-Opener 12 ga. 2 ¾” 28” Nitro Proof
James Purdey & Sons, Best Sidelock Self-Opener, 12 ga. 2 ¾” 28” barrles, 5 Briley chokes. This is Purdey’s finest, the Beesley 7-pin self-opener action, double underbite and hidden third fastener -- SOLID – cased. Chopper lump barrels of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s fluid pressed steel, tapered concave rib with maker’s inscription. Tang safety, double triggers (non-articulated front trigger), bushed firing pins, and intercepting safety sears. The case-colored action is fully engraved with fine Purdey House engraving of tight rose and scroll bouquet and is a rare example with sculptured acanthus fences – famous on early Purdeys.
Condition: The action is tight on face, even when the locks are removed. The locks are in excellent condition with strong mainsprings. Trigger let-off is nice and even for both triggers. Trigger guard and top latch are blue, bores are excellent, barrels reblacked but the striking is perfect, inscription reads: “J.Purdey & Sons, Audley House, South Audley Street, London, MNFD of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid Pressed Steel.” Both sidelocks are inscribed, “J.Purdey & Sons”. The engraving is still sharp. Both the splinter forepart and the straight-hand stock with drop points are original, in extraordinary highly-figured burl French walnut. Finish is original, though oil-freshened, with perfectly cleaned checkering in original 28 lpi point patterns. The stock measurements are: 1 ½” x 2 1/8” x 14 3/8” over leather covered recoil pad; ¼” Cast off for right hand. Weight is 6 lbs. 3 oz. Wall thickness: right .028, left .030 bores .726” and .727”.
Case: The Purdey oak and leather case is lined in Purdey’s crimson wool, includes maker’s black label, and is vintage appears correct in every way to the age of the gun, but is probably the second case (see History).
History: According to David Maynard of Purdery:
No. 11617 is a 12 bore Purdey double barrel hammerless self-opening sidelock completed in August 1883 for Mr. R. Henderson. It is Number 2 of a pair of guns with 30” Whitworth steel barrels, chokes were modified for both barrels. Stock length 14 3/8” mid. Original weight of gun 6 lb. 11 oz.
Sometime, ca. 1984, a second owner, Dr. Keith W. Young of Aurora, Illinois had the steel barrels cut to 28” and fitted with 5 Briley thin wall chokes (Cyl, Skt, IC, M, IF), opening the chambers to 2 ¾” bringing the gun into the 21st Century. For the new barrel length, the doctor adapted a vintage Purdey case with a partition for the chokes and added a plaque with his name on the case. His initials, “KWY”, are inscribed in the gold stock oval.
About Purdey: While Purdey has held an uninterrupted Royal Warrant since Queen Victoria’s reign, there is a reason. Geoffrey Boothroyd, from his Sidelocks & Boxlocks, states
Page 55: “…fundamentally Beesley had invented [1878] what was to become one of the most famous double shotgun actions of all time, the mechanism that we today known as the Purdey action.”
And Michael McIntosh, from his Gamefield Classics, states:
Page 112: “Fame is often fleeting, enduring fame is rare. James Purdey & Sons is by no means the oldest existing gunmaker – but Purdey’s can now rightly claim to have been the world’s most famous maker during three different centuries.”
Enjoy your Investment: Since the thin-wall chokes were added, this Purdey has seen very little use -- there is yet another lifetime of shooting left. It is a fabulous field gun that is amazingly priced for the relative condition. The balance has been improved with the 28” barrels and the shotgun just feels alive in the hand, pointing like a dream; aside from the fact that the eye appeal would appear to be its greatest attribute at first impression. This is an investment-grade firearm, and will be the centerpiece of your collection, not to mention being the star of the show at any shooting club. Shoots extremely well.
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
GA
Trades Accepted: Trades considered at buyers wholesale value.
Shipping Notes: Buyer pays $55.00
Author of The Rifleman's Rifle, on the Winchester Pre-64 Model 70. Although seller is in Hawaii, shipping costs are calculated from the West Coast.
