An exceptional pre-war James Purdey & Sons 16-bore with documented aristocratic provenance, built light for the field and 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 by Purdey in 1915 by Lord Molyneux per those same records and fitted with an S.W. Silver recoil pad.

The Gun
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
Today, No. 19,452 remains in excellent overall condition, with no pitting, dents, scratches or visible gaps. Its light weight, 16-bore configuration and elegant proportions make it an especially appealing example of an Edwardian English game gun.

Accompanied by its Purdey History Certificate, retrieved from the maker’s records on 6 March 2019.

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