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Rare Engraved Special Order Purdey Over/Under 16 Gauge Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Shotguns Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Rare Engraved Special Order Purdey Over/Under 16 Gauge Shotgun
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Rare Engraved Special Order Purdey Over/Under 16 Gauge Shotgun

This is a very nice example of a rare custom order Purdey over/under double barrel shotgun. J. Purdey & Sons Ltd is probably the finest manufacturer of double barrel shotguns in the world. Virtually all of their double barrel shotguns and bolt action rifles are made on a special order basis only. This particular Purdey over/under shotgun was completed in 1961 for Mr. J.N.B. Hill with 28 inch 16 gauge matte rib barrels with ejectors and "JNBH" silver stock oval as confirmed by David Maynard of Purdey & Sons. Reportedly Purdey hasn't made an over and under shotgun in at least 20 years (this example pre-dates that by many years). Since the early 1920s, Purdey has only manufactured several hundred over/under shotguns. The barrels are blue with a casehardened frame and locks. The left side of the upper barrel is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." The barrels feature a solid matte rib with a single bead sight, 2 3/4" chambers, choked improved cylinder/improved modified with ejectors. Bores measure .665 (O) and .667 (U), bore constriction is .021 (O) (IM) and .007 (left) (IC), the wall thickness is .021 (O) and .025 (left). The frame, side locks, trigger guard, break lever and forearm hardware are engraved with fine English scroll and rose bouquet. Each lock is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS" in an oval panel and the bottom of the frame is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS./LONDON, ENGLAND." The barrel flat and right rear of the upper barrel are marked with nitro proof marks, tonnage, gauge and chamber size. The top edge of the frame is marked with a "crown / GP" proof mark on each side. The fences/recoil shields are uniquely recess sculpted and engraved. Double triggers, tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" and cocking indicators. Mounted with a nicely figured multi-point checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with tear drop flats, serrated horn buttplate and silver initial oval inscribed "JNBH". Length of pull is 14 inches, drop at comb is 1 3/8 inches, drop at heel is 1 7/8 inches, cast off is 1/2 inch, and weight is 6 lbs. 5 3/4 oz.

Manufucture: Purdey J & Sons Ltd
Model: Over/Under
BBL: 28 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Guage: 16
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 26867

Very fine. The barrels retain 80% plum blue finish with scattered spotting and flaking. The trigger guard retains 80% blue finish with flaking and some light corrosion on the tang. The frame and locks retain 90% bright case colors with some edge wear and areas fading to a dove gray. The wood is also very fine overall. There is a small minor crack on the lower left rear of the forearm, as well as some minor spotting on the hardware. The stock flat edges remain sharp and the checkering is crisp. With the exception of a faint nitro proof on the upper left rear barrel, the markings and engraving are clear. Mechanically excellent. A very rare Purdey 16 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun.