Product Details
AN EARLY PURDEY 12-BORE TOPLEVER HAMMERGUN, serial no. 7763, 30in. nitro proofed lined damascus barrels, rib engraved 'J. PURDEY 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON.', 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 1/2 choke, action with carved, elongated percussion fences, rebounding floating back-action locks with dolphin hammers, replacement nipples, action and lockplates engraved with fine border and scrollwork, engraving re-cut on action and with 'PURDEY PATENT', retaining virtually full renewed colour-hardening and finish, 14 1/2in. well-figured stock including 1in. leather-covered recoil pad, weight 7lb., in a brass-cornered oak and leather case
The maker's have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed in 1868 as No.2 of a pair. They also confirm that the pair are the only two toplever guns in that area of the record books (out of approx. 60), the other guns being of the thumbhole-underlever type. The inside of the action is marked 'S. PATENT', referring to W.M. Scott's patent toplever and spindle, patent no. 2752 of 25th October 1865
Estimate £2,500-3,000