J. PURDEY NO. 13079 A SIDELOCK PIGEON GUN WITH 2 SETS OF BARRELS & MINIMAL ENGRAVING IN ORIGINAL CASE WITH FANCY MONOGRAMED ACCESSORIES & FACTORY LETTERS

J. PURDEY NO. 13079 A SIDELOCK PIGEON GUN WITH 2 SETS OF BARRELS & MINIMAL ENGRAVING IN ORIGINAL CASE WITH FANCY MONOGRAMED ACCESSORIES & FACTORY LETTERS

| Cal. 12 Ga. | S# 13079 | 01-28998/MGM |

3″ (Actual measure, visual inspection does not indicate later lengthening). This “Best” pigeon gun was completed 14 November 1888 for a Mr. Flint. Original specifications included 2-barrel sets, pistol grip stock, 3rd grip and clip sides along with “very little scroll engraving” and “chased monogram on top lever”. Both 30″ chopper lump barrel sets are fitted with slightly raised matted pigeon ribs and are engraved “J. Purdey & Sons, Audley House, South Audley Street, London.” on tops of left barrels and “Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid Pressed Steel” on rights. Additionally, more open choke set is engraved “FIELD” “BARRELS” at breech ends while heavily choked barrels are not engraved. Barrel flats are stamped with London black powder proofs and spurious later nitro proof markings for 1-1/8 oz. shot with nitro proof mark omitted (charge cards indicate 2-3/4″ chambers. Pigeon guns are often made with extra-long chambers to improve patterning.). Bottoms of barrels are stamped with S#s and barrel maker’s initials “EH” (E. Hodges). Heavily choked barrels are also stamped “CHOKE”. Tube numbers “6265” & “6266” are on loop of field barrels and “6219” & “6220” are on heavy choke barrels. Robust case-hardened Beesley patent sidelock action is fitted with automatic safety, hidden third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, engraved arrowhead tumbler end cocking indicators and double triggers. Action is engraved with about 20% coverage well cut small scroll highlighting some pivots and pins. Each lock plate is engraved “J. Purdey & Sons”; bottom of action “PURDEY’S” “PATENT”. Top of lever is deeply relief carved with a monogram “CTF” (?). Minimal engraving continues on trigger guard bow, S# is on tang that extends to steel grip cap in rifle or heavy gun manner. Buttstock is made from a very fine piece of quilt figured and nicely marbled European walnut and measures 14-1/2″ over silver pad. Stock features usual drop points and point pattern grip checkering. Matching splinter for end with Anson release is stamped with actioner’s initial “T” (Tysall) who was the highest paid actioner at the time. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Field Barrels: Bore Diameter: L .730. R .730. Restriction: L .013 (Mod). R .005 (IC). Wall Thickness: L .025. R .027. STOCK: DAH: 2-1/4″+. DAC: 1-5/8″+. CAST: about 5/8″ off. LOP: 14-1/2″. WEIGHT: 7 lb. 6-1/2 oz. Heavy Choke Barrels: Bore Diameter: L .734. R .731. Restriction: L .033 (Full). R .017 (Mod). Wall Thickness: L .030. R .031. STOCK: DAH: 2-1/4″. DAC: 2-5/8″. CAST: about 5/8″ off. LOP: 14-1/2″. WEIGHT: 7 lb. 8-1/2 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: gun is housed in its original oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion. Case is lined in scarlet cloth and has small paper Purdey label in lid along with information label stating, “In opening gun for loading, the barrels should be allowed to drop to their fullest extent.” There are two charge cards: one for heavy barrels, the other for field barrels with loading data and stating chamber length of 2-3/4″. Bottom of case is configured for both barrel sets and contains four Purdey marked snap caps, bone striker bottle containing spare strikers and springs, a 12 gauge broken case extractor, horn handled turn screw marked “J. Purdey & Sons”, a pull through cleaning kit, another bone bottle, case straps, and a wonderful set of four bone handled loading tools with gold plated business ends engraved with the monogram “CTF” (?), including a rod rammer, roll crimping tool, powder and shot measures which are marked “G. Hawksley”. Also included are a small (1-3/8″x3-1/4″) “The EC Game Record Book” marked “Graham & Co. Inverness” inside, as well as a purple and gold covered “Instructions for Purdey Guns” (4-3/8″ x 5-5/8″) printed in 1898. Also included is an invoice from Alfred Gallifent former Churchill actioner for the internal refurbishment of this gun including rejointing, refitting drop, making new locking bolt and third fastener bolt, etc. for $3,475 in 2006, California SXS Society card, along with a 2005 Purdey Factory Letter with specifications for this gun and receipt for letter. As well as recent Factory Letter with ledger listing copied on back. PROVENANCE: Malcolm G. MacGregor Collection. ANTIQUE GUN