Description:
James Purdey & Sons 12 gauge antique bar in wood hammergun in proof & beautiful condition.
Traditional upland wildfowling at its finest. 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 12 gauge thumblever bar-in-wood hammergun (serial number 79xx) was manufactured in 1869. What makes Purdey’s pedigree even more extraordinary is the fact that all shotgun manufacturing, engraving, fitting, etc., down to the thousandth of an inch, was hand-crafted without the assistance of automated machining, computer measurements, or electronic assistance. Absolute master craftsmen invested hundreds of hours into each shotgun they made by hand, with hundreds of additional hours devoted to the engraving, fitting & finishing of each Best Quality piece.
An unusual find with all original components, a thumblever release mechanism, and original numbered case with tools, No. 79xx’s handsome sidelocks are in keeping with the usage of 'Purdey' on each lock, as the '& Sons' was not added until the end of 1877. In beautiful condition, the action, locks, hammers, and top strap are hand-engraved in ornate and finely detailed patterns in typical Purdey fashion: acanthus scrollwork and spiral constellations on both locks and each side of the rounded action, with similar bold acanthus engraving on the floorplate; vine scrollwork on the trigger guard and thumb lever; extremely fine and bold scrollwork on the toplever and elongated dolphin-style non-rebounding hammers, with “PATENT” in an oval; and exceptional vinework 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. This gun comes in at a lightweight 6 pounds 11 ounces.
Proof House re-proofing measurements and standard nitro proof compliance to accommodate modern 2 & 3/4” shells (“70MM” annotated on the flats showing 70 mm metric measurement). 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.”
Exceptional Damascus barrels with beautiful patterns and great measurements – rare to find a Purdey with original Damascus in such outstanding condition. The 30” 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 25,000th thickness for the right wall and 30,000th 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.
Terry Weiland, author of the reference “Vintage British Shotguns,” states that “James Purdey is the pre-eminent name in the British gun trade, regardless of claims (however legitimate and justified they may be) of other firms. In the public mind, whether they know anything about guns or not, a Purdey is simply the best – and not just the best in the United Kingdom, but the best in the world. Purdey has maintained a standard of style and workmanship that is the envy of other gunmakers, even such legendary firms as Boss, Woodward and Holland & Holland. A Purdey hammer gun is a joy to handle.”
Noted British gun specialist Jack Rowe rates Purdeys as follows: “What can one say? On a par with Holland & Holland. Everyone knows the history. Best hammer guns. Best sidelocks. The best there is.” Expert George Caswell agrees and describes their “quality is always superb…and command a premium of 40 to 50 percent.”
Condition:
Used, As New
Brand:
Purdey
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
NY
Trades Accepted: No
Shipping Notes: This is a pre-1898 firearm and qualifies as an antique with direct shipment to the purchaser. We are a 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. Online member since 2002 with 100% positive feedback.
US military family stationed in England
