JAMES PURDEY 16 GAUGE DELUXE (DX) – VISCOUNT MOLYNEUX – 28" – 5LB 15OZ – MOTOR CASE

A documented pre-war Purdey with titled English sporting provenance, built light for the field and still ready to shoot.

Provenance
Completed December 1912 and commissioned for Viscount Molyneux, heir apparent to the Earl of Sefton. Purdey ledger records accompany the gun. The original 1912 stock was period-extended in 1915 per those same records and fitted with an S.W. Silver recoil pad.

The Gun
Deluxe Quality (Dx) boxlock ejector. 28" barrels chambered for 2½" cartridges with current British Nitro Proof, which keeps shell sourcing simple. Bores are bright and strong: .010 right, .023 left per case card. Rib extension forms a third bite. Action remains tight and on face. Wood-to-metal fit is proper; the gun presents honestly with consistent, age-appropriate finish throughout.

Why It Matters
At 5 lb 15½ oz per Purdey records, this is a genuinely lively sub six pound 16. The gauge is back in favor with experienced upland shooters for exactly this reason: small bore balance and handling with meaningful pattern density. Pre-war Purdeys with documented titled provenance at this weight are uncommon.

Included

• Purdey History Certificate

• Ledger facsimile

• Written provenance statement

• Original oak and leather motor case with trade label.

Condition Summary
Beautiful piece and entirely suitable for the field. A documented pre-war Purdey that handles today as it did in 1912.