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*FINELY ENGRAVED EXTRA FINISH JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH SCOPE A

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:40,000.00 USD Estimated At:80,000.00 - 100,000.00 USD
*FINELY ENGRAVED EXTRA FINISH JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH SCOPE A
SN 28977. (1992) Cal..470 NE. 24" Chopper lump bbls are gold inlaid "J. Purdey & Sons." and "London. England." in Old English script on tops. Caliber is inlaid on mid rib. Matted quarter rib is mounted with windage adjustable one standing, one folding leaf express sight marked for 25 and 50 yards, and claw scope mount bases. Front sight ramp holds longitudinally dovetailed silver bead front with flip-up night sight, and is fitted with unique flip-open front sight protector. Bbl flats are stamped with 1992 London nitro proofs for .470 Nitro express. SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls, and tube nos. "65895" and "65896" are on loop. Sling loop is mounted to heavy lozenge shaped base soldered to rib bottom. Robust Beesley patent self-opening action features non-automatic bolted safety with SAFE and BOLTED gold inlaid. Action features long top tang that extends over comb, bolstered sides, side clips, disc set strikers, sliding third fastener, gold-plated internals, gold line tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers. Single beaded trigger guard with SN gold inlaid on tang extends to steel trap grip cap. Trap contains spare front sight wrapped in cloth. Extra finishing is applied to all metal parts and are engraved with a mix of beautifully cut relief shaded acanthus scroll. Fences and bolsters are in high relief. This fine scroll surrounds and offsets nicely rendered Bulino vignettes of game suitable for a rifle of this caliber; a trio of lionesses are protecting their cub and kill while male lion charges onto the scene demanding his share, all in open savannah with Kilimanjaro in background on left lockplate. Right lockplate depicts pair of cape buffalo bulls, one staring at YOU, with the "owe him money" look. Bottom of action depicts charging large tusker, trunk down, and bent on destruction, with Kilimanjaro in background. This very fine work is by Purdey contract engraver Stephen Kelly, whose signature appears on trigger plate. Dense, reddish brown, intricately marbled and lightly figured European walnut full pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2" over rounded Silver pad and features shadow line right hand cheekpiece, typical Purdey drop points, and standard point pattern checkering with mullered borders. A sling loop, as well as gold oval engraved with initials "GRB", are on toe line. Rifle is equipped with two matching ejector forends with Anson releases, one beavertail, the other splinter, both of which are factory supplied. Iron needs to be shifted from one to the other. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4", drop at comb: approx 1-5/8". Weight: 10 lbs. 5 oz. Weight with scope: 11 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". Factory installed Schmidt & Bender 1-1/4 x 4 x 20 Scope with post and crosshair reticle is in Recknagel claw mounts with windage adjustment at rear. Makers oak and leather case with brass corners has central brass medallion engraved "GRB". Interior is lined in royal blue cloth with gold embossed black leather Purdey label on lid, and contains Purdey marked accessories including a trio of ebony handled turnscrews, brass topped nickel-plated oil bottle, and snap caps. There is also a test target marked with a cross used to shoot in this rifle at 50 yards, showing 1-1/2" 6-round group with a flier. CONDITION: Excellent, showing evidence of use, but no abuse, as would be expected from a few safaris. Bbls retain nearly all of their orig lustrous blue. Coin finish of action brightened, at high points, tangs and thumb lever. Stocks dulled and showing a fine patina of minute marks, knocks, and rubs associated with a number of weeks spent in the bush. Consignor states he has shot elephant, lion, and "a few" trophy cape buffalo with this rifle. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny with strong rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are perfectly timed. Scope is excellent with a number of minor marks and rubs on exterior lacquer. Optics clear. Case leather remains bright with some slight scuffs and marks. Interior cloth is excellent with some minor rubs from contact with rifle and accessories, which are also excellent. A very fine, well balanced, fast handling rifle aching for a return to the Dark Continent. 4-47685 MGM89