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GOOD JAMES PURDEY TOP LEVER HAMMER GAME SHOTGUN

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,000.00 USD
GOOD JAMES PURDEY TOP LEVER HAMMER GAME SHOTGUN
WITH ISLAND LOCKS AND RARE LOADED CHAMBER INDICATORS. Cal. 12 Ga., 2 3/4". S# 12158 (1885). Although this classic Purdey hammer gun was made in 1885 it is very interesting that it incorporates Purdey's patent # 1464 of 1866, a system by which a series of levers that causes pins to protruded from the top of the action when the gun is loaded. This feature went out of fashion soon after the advent of rebounding hammers around 1870. This fine gun has 30" dovetailed steel barrels engraved "J. Purdey & Sons, Audley House, South Audley Street, London. Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth's Fluid-Pressed Steel" on narrow swamped game rib. Rear portion of rib with scroll engraving is also engraved "2". A corresponding "2" is engraved on watertable and forend iron. Barrel flats are stamped with London blackpowder proofs and 1993 London re proofs for 2 3/4" chambers. Early proofs ("12B 12M") and "not for ball" are on bottoms of barrels along with S# and barrel maker's initials "GA" (G. Aston). A sling loop is screwed to bottom rib. Case hardened round bodied top lever action fitted with island back spring rebounding locks features hidden third fastener, loaded chamber indicators and double triggers. Action and locks are engraved in near full coverage Purdey house style rose and small scroll as most likely cut by James Lucas, head engraver. Top lever with matching scroll is engraved "PATENT". Bottom of action is engraved "PURDEY'S" "PATENT". Maker's name is on each lockplate. Attractively dark marbled and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14 3/8" over dark brown leather covered pad. Closely spaced point pattern checkering is at grip. Sling loop and vacant gold oval are on toeline. Matching splinter forend has Anson release. Actioner's initials "A.M" (Matthews ?) are on the iron. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .736". R .736". Restriction: L .020" (Mod). R .004" (IC). Wall thickness: L .031". R .029". STOCK: DAH: 2"+. DAC: 1 3/16". CAST: very slightly off. LOP: 14 3/8". WEIGHT: 7 lb. 0 oz. CONDITION: fine with some refinish. Barrels retaining nearly all of a good reblack most likely done at time of reproof, engraving remains good. Action and locks retain 50-60% original case hardening color, strong where protected. Traces of original blue remain on top lever and trigger guard, most loss is do to flaking. Stocks retain nearly all of a glossy oil refinish with some subsequent marks, checkering is lightly worn. Bores are bright and shiny without noted problems, right barrel with perhaps a hint of frosting. Action is tight, barrels on face, locks are crisp. A very nice "Best" hammer gun. (01-21992/MGM). ANTIQUE. $7,500-12,000.