Spectacular James Purdey & Sons Sidelock Hammerless 12 Gauge Double Shotgun Our Assessment: This side by side was made ca. 1910 by James Purdey & Sons of London. For more than two centuries, the name Purdey has been synonymous in the gun world with style, class and, above all, quality. The firm was established in 1816 and continues to produce some of the finest hand-made firearms in the world. The select walnut stocks feature beautiful grain patterns and the rose-and-scroll engraving is the sort of tight, fine, well-balanced work expected from an English best gun. The shotgun shows signs of use, but retains good bores and strong mechanics. While this certainly suitable for the collectors, the discerning hunter should find this more than suitable to get back out in the field. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Make: James Purdey & Sons
Model: Sidelock Hammerless
Serial Number: 19692
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1910
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Sidelock, Self-Opening, Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun with ejectors
Barrel Length: 27"
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Improved Cylinder, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a metal bead at the front of the rib.
Weight: 6 lb., 1.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with splinter forend, straight wrist, straight comb, silver initial-plate in the belly and checkered bare butt. The stocks have light handling wear with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are short, thin cracks at the rear of the lock plates. There are no chips. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/2" and 13 1/2" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the butt. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/4", drop at heel 2". The butt has scattered light wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 8 or 9 out of 10.Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have even light wear. The receiver retains case color in protected areas with most exposed surfaces muted. There are some scattered minor marks and infrequent light oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. This shotgun features a Beesley Self Opening Action, dual triggers and ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, PPT: YES
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