Description:
Traditional upland wildfowling at its finest, and in a rarer lightweight gauge! This is a fully functional, in-proof, antique masterpiece by one of the world’s best shotgun makers. James Purdey & Sons has confirmed that this 16 gauge toplever bar-in-wood hammergun (serial number 57xx) was manufactured in 1858.
In beautiful condition, the action, locks, hammers, and top lever are hand-engraved in ornate and finely detailed patterns in typical Purdey fashion: acanthus scrollwork and spiral bouquets on both locks, with similar engraving including a shell-like detail on the floorplate near the trigger guard; vine scrollwork on the trigger guard; extremely fine scrollwork on the toplever and elongated dolphin-style rebounding hammers; and exceptional acanthus detailing engraved on the fences. The maker’s name “PURDEY” bolsters the bottom of each lock. Double bite action. Excellent condition on the interior of the action, with minimal powder marks on the face.
Matching serial numbers “57xx” throughout the gun on the action, fore-end, and trigger guard. Barrels appear to be original to the gun; although there are no serial numbers on them, the antique London black powder proof marks are all matching and age appropriate. The original antique London proof house black powder proof marks are on the left and right barrels just above the flats, denoting the “definitive” proof mark with a script “GP” under a crown. The accompanying antique London “view” mark “V” under a crown is on the action flats. Additional number “39xxx” and letter “B” underneath the rib. The finish, condition, and engraving on the rib are the same as the rest of the gun. The patination on the barrels and rib are identical. This gun comes in at a lightweight 6 pounds 12 ounces.
Barrels underwent complete inspection and re-proofing in 1985, with the flats stamped to confirm their safety & compliance with modern testing standards. Contemporary Birmingham proof marks show that it has undergone British Nitro Proof (NP) testing with contemporary “BP”, “BV” and “NP” under crowns indicating Birmingham Proof House measurements and standard “NITRO PROOF” compliance at “3 TONS” pressure for 16 bore chambers (16 over ‘c’ in a diamond). The inspection date of 1985 is confirmed in the lower left-hand corner of the flats with crossed swords and senior examiner’s mark. As Terry Wieland highlights in his book “Vintage British Shotguns,” he states “If you buy an English gun… and the proof marks show it has been nitro proofed – that is, proven with smokeless powder – you know it’s safe to shoot with loads of the length and gauge marked.”
The 28 & 3/4” barrels with brass sight bead have been well taken care of over the past century and a half, with seemingly little use, and outstanding strong measurements coming in at 40,000th thickness for the right wall and 37,000th left wall thickness, and a flawless mirrored interior – no marks or pitting. With continued good care and cleaning after each shoot, this collector’s item should offer great future hunting well into the next century – a future family heirloom for generations to come. The chambers with extractors are sized for 2 & 1/2” (65 mm) shells, and has chokes of approximately improved cylinder and ¼ choke. The outer barrels have aged bluing with only the faintest of handling marks.
The well figured stock has nice sharp checkering throughout the hand and a handsome dark grain, steel buttplate with matching engraving and mild pitting near the top of the butt plate, a brass oval on the underside of the stock suitable for engraving, and a 14 & 3/4” pull. We are a U.S. military family stationed in the UK, and ship at an insured an insured and flat rate of $125. Antique Purdey case
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
J. Purdey & Sons
Caliber:
16 Gauge
Location:
NY
Trades Accepted: No
Shipping Notes: U.S. military family stationed in the UK, and ship at an insured and flat rate of 125 because this package with the gun case is heavy usually takes about three weeks to arrive in the US.
US military family stationed in England
