1225

*KEN HUNT ENGRAVED JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER GAME GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS, STOCK A

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
*KEN HUNT ENGRAVED JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER GAME GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS, STOCK A
SN 26943. (1961) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4" Chambers. Two sets of 27" chopper lump bbls, one with IC and Mod, and the other with Mod and Full chokes. Full choked bbls are marked "Choke" on rear lump, and with gold star on rib. Both sets have raised, matted, narrow, flat ribs, and are engraved "J. Purdey & Sons." and "Audley House. South Audley Street. London." on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 2-3/4" chambers. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs, left bbl with bbl maker's initials "GW" (George Wood). Tube nos. "67135" and "67136" are on open choked bbls, and "67137" and "67138" on choked bbls. Blued Beesley patent, self-opening, sidelock action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and Purdey non-selective single trigger. Action is engraved with small scroll and rose bouquets in Purdey "house" style. Bottom is engraved with "J. Purdey & Sons" "London" "England". Lockplates are engraved with similar scroll framing vignettes of gold inlaid dogs in field settings; a pointer on right lockplate, and a setter on left. These well detailed scenes are by noted master engraver, Ken Hunt, whose signature appears at the bottom of each scene. Small bow trigger guard has tang, which extends to grip cap, is scroll engraved, and has SN at grip. Boldly figured and well marbled European walnut full capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over checkered wood butt, and features drop points, as well as point pattern checkering with mullered borders. Individual initials "H" and "M" (Hal McCoy, well known Baseball Hall of Fame long time Sports Writer to the Cincinnati Reds) are on toe line. Also included is a custom made matching stock, fitted with "Hydro Coil" recoil reducing butt section, ebony grip cap of which has central gold oval engraved "HM". Matching large beavertail forend with Anson release is stamped with actioners initials "B.D" (Ben Delay) on iron. Open choke bbls: Bore diameter: left-.732, right -.733. Bore restrictions: left -.016 (Lt mod), right -.010 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.040, right -.038. Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 7 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". Heavily choked bbls: Bore diameter: left-.733, right -.731. Bore restrictions: left -.038 (Full), right -.017 (Mod). Wall thickness: left -.039, right -.038. Drop at heel: 2-1/8", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". Maker's motor case with stitched leather corners and single spring latch, with space for both sets of bbls and gun, is embossed "HM" in gold. Case is lined in burgundy cloth, and has makers gold embossed black leather label in lid, along with charge card, and information about bbls and chokes. Case contains 2-pc ebony and brass cleaning rod marked "M. Marsh England". PROVENANCE: Internet information on Hal McCoy and Ken Hunt. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain 95 - 98% orig blue with some minor nicks and marks, silvered at muzzles. Action blued, and retains nearly all of that blue. Trigger guard re-blued and retains most of that blue, engraving slightly softened. Orig blue of thumbpiece and hinge pin is mostly silver. Stocks retain nearly all of a gloss finish with only a few minor marks. Bores are excellent, smooth, bright and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors and trigger work perfectly. Case leather is still light in color with some discoloration, bumps and rubs. Straps and handle are fine. Leather is beginning to crack on straps. Interior cloth is excellent. Charge card is darkening. Leather label has some rubs. A good looking, fine handling gun for any application. 4-48303 MGM39