TRULY FINE EXTRA FINISH BY KELL, ‘50’S VINTAGE JAMES PURDEY HEAVY PROOF SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN IN SUPERB ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH CASE.
inv # 20-917

Cal. 12 Ga. 2 3/4”
S# 26638 (1956)

27” Chopper lump bbls. fitted with very narrow matted game rib are engraved “J Purdey & Sons.” “Audley House South Audley Street, London. England.” on tops. Bbl. flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2 ¾”. Bottoms of bbls. are stamped with serial numbers, and barrel makers initials “G.W” (George Wood). Tube numbers “65377” and “65378” are on loop. Casehardened Beesley patent self opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers. Action and lockplates are engraved with near full coverage large open broad shaded scroll with strapwork highlights, as originated by, and in this case executed by, the revered Harry Kell (per factory letter). “J. Purdey & Sons” is on the front part of each lockplate, as well as on bottom of action over “London” “England”. Fences are finely full relief carved in oak leaf and acorn motif, as usually found in this “extra finish” pattern. Blued top lever and trigger guard are also engraved with acanthus scroll. Serial number is on trigger guard tang. Dense, nicely marbled, and strikingly stump/ fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 1/8” over black leather covered pad. Stock features usual drop points and point pattern checkering at grip. Individual gold initials “M V B” are inlet on toeline. Factory records indicate this gun was made for Mrs. Sherburn M. Becker. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Actioners initials “M.T” (Maurice Timbers) are on iron. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Makers tan leather motor case with stitched leather corners is embossed “M. V. B.” on lid. Interior is lined in purple cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label along with charge card for this particular gun in lid. Case contains Purdey marked square oil bottle, two horn handled striker keys, pull-through 12 ga. cleaning kit, two piece rosewood and brass cleaning rod with mops and jag, and a 1929 dated Purdey Guns instruction booklet.

Bore diameters: left-.731, restriction .025 (mod), right -731 restriction .008 (IC).
Minimum wall thickness: left-.035, right-.034.
DAH: 2 7/16”.
DAC: 1 9/16”.
WEIGHT: 6 lbs. 10 oz.

Status. CURIO