1769

J. Purdey & Sons Side by Side Back Action Double Rifle in 450 Nitro Express (3 1/4 Inch) with Case

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
J. Purdey & Sons Side by Side Back Action Double Rifle in 450 Nitro Express (3 1/4 Inch) with Case
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J. Purdey & Sons Side by Side Back Action Double Rifle in 450 Nitro Express (3 1/4 Inch) with Case

Introduced in 1898, the 450 Nitro Express was an evolution of the black powder 450 Express round, and became one of the chief rounds for hunting dangerous game in Africa and India. Beaded blade front sight and four leaf platinum wire accented rear sight, graduated for 100, 150, 200 and 250 yards, with matte serrations on the front and rear sections of the rib and the smooth mid-section marked "J.PURDEY, 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET, LONDON.". The sleeved barrels are a fine blue finished Damascus twist, with London proofs and "C.A" on the water table and a single piece extractor. The frame, locks, hammers and break lever/trigger guard are all casehardened and decorated with scroll and floral engraving, with the coverage on the upper tang reaching nearly 100%. Each lock is marked "PURDEY" in small, fine letters and outfitted with a niter blue finished sliding half-cock safety, and the combination trigger guard, side-turning break lever and checkered hand rest also doubling as a trigger-locking safety; when opened, a spring loaded button on the lower tang slides into the safe position, and is automatically depressed into the fire position when closed. A semi-circular projection extends asymmetrically from the right side of the lower tang to prevent the stock from being scratched by the underside of the lever. Checkered straight wrist stock, with scroll and floral engraved hardware on the splinter forearm, sling eyes, a thin shadow line cheekpiece, silver inscription panel with a crowned "MAC" monogram, and a floral engraved and checkered steel buttplate marked "CHARGE/3 1/4 dms No. 6 Powder" near the heel. With a brass handled hardwood locking case, with a Purdey label on the red felt interior, with eleven spent 450 Nitro cases. The "MAC" monogram has not been positively identified, though the design of the crown is a close match for the traditional heraldic crown of European princes (particularly of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire, Liechtenstein, and Imperial Russia), suggesting acquisition by a member of a family in high standing. Length of pull is 13 7/8 inches, drop at comb is 1 3/16 inches, drop at heel is 2 5/8 inches.

Manufucture: Purdey J & Sons Ltd
Model: Double Rifle
BBL: 29 1/2 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Guage: 450
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 7668

Very fine as period refurbished. The barrels show 85% of the deep blue finish, with a few hints of gray, light handling marks, and a strong Damascus pattern to the barrels. Bright and vivid case colors are present on the frame and locks, with a silver patina showing on the backs of the locks, the underside of the lever and on the side extension to the lower tang. Strong niter blue is present on the safeties. The stock is very good, with some light pressure dents, sharp checkering, and attractive grain. The case is fair, with a few scuffs on the lining and label, small sections of absent wood in the interior, and mild scratches and scuffs overall. Mechanically excellent.