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VERY NICELY RESTORED EARLY JAMES PURDEY 16 BORE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,500.00 USD
VERY NICELY RESTORED EARLY JAMES PURDEY 16 BORE
SINGLE PERCUSSION RIFLE. Cal. 69 groove diameter (16 bore). S# 2899. “L. Patrick Unsworth” in “The Early Purdey’s” lists this rifle as a single 16 bore w/ 36” bbl. which was sold 16 July, 1836 for 39 pounds, 18 shillings. The multi groove rifled 26” oct. bbl. (listing is obviously an error) w/ underrib is engraved “J. Purdey 314 1/2 Oxford Street, London” on top flat which is also fitted w/ one standing, 3 folding nested leaf rear sight & fine bead front; both dovetailed through. Bottom of bbl. is stamped w/ S#, London proofs & “JP”. Case hardened patent breech has vented platinum blowout & inlaid platinum line at rear. Scroll engraved breech iron is also engraved w/ a leopard head on top. Front spring percussion lock fitted w/ flat faced serpentine hammer w/ stylized dolphin head, is also fitted w/ back sliding safety that engages at half cock. Lock & hammer are engraved w/ well cut open scroll within geometric borders. Front portion of lock shows game scene of recumbent stag & walking hind either side of “Purdey”. Trigger is set. Trigger plate w/ stylized pineapple finial is case hardened. Trigger guard engraved w/ running stag on bow has checkered spur forming grip, rear w/ scroll engraving is also engraved w/ S#. Stock of very fine, well marbled & lightly figured European walnut, measures 14 1/4” to steel buttplate w/ long top tang. Tang is engraved w/ running boar & more scroll. Stock features sm. shadowline right hand cheekpiece w/ extra bead around top, flat top checkered grip & forend which extends to horn tip. Right side of stock is fitted w/ spring loaded case hardened patchbox w/ circular cover engraved w/ scene of stag & hind under tree. Ebony ramrod w/ horn tip has S# on brass tail & mounts through two plain pipes & casehardened thimble. Rear pipe has sling eye matching casehardened button on toeline of stock. CONDITION: exceptionally fine as restored. Bbl. retains over 95% rebrown. Lock, breech plug, trigger plate, patchbox & thimble retain nearly all of a best quality hardening. Engraving remains clear. Trigger guard & buttplate retain over 95% charcoal reblack & stock retains over 95% best quality oil refinish. Checkering is lightly rerun. Bore is very fine. Rifling is strong throughout. Lock is crisp, trigger operable. (01-21204/MRZ). ANTIQUE. $7,500-12,500.