Product Details
** J. PURDEY & SONS
A .400 PURDEY (3IN.) LIGHT EXPRESS SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 25609,
25in. nitro chopperlump barrels with raised matt rib, open sights with folding leaf sight (possible replacements) with gold sight lines, ramped gold bead fore-sight, tubes engraved 'J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.' some exterior pitting towards muzzles, treble-grip action with side-clips, removable striker discs, toplever with flip-up peepsight, automatic bolted safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' and 'BOLTED' details, cocking-indicators, best fine bouquet and scroll engraving, the underside with 'J. PURDEY & SONS. LONDON. ENGLAND.', retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 15 5/8in. boldy-figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, engraved steel pistolgrip-cap, sling swivels and including 7/8in. rubber recoil pad, weight 8lb. 2oz., in a brass-cornered oak and leather case with some accessories
Provenance: The makers have kindly informed us that this rifle was completed in its current calibre with 25in. barrels in September 1947 for Nils Astrup.
Nils Astrup was born 7th June 1901 to a prominent Norwegian shipping
family.
Astrup studied law and once his degree was secured, he joined the family
firm of Fearnley & Eger and was a partner by 1931. He held many senior posts pertinent to the industry, and acted as vice president of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association from 1940 until 1945 and later held the same role with the International Shipowners' Association from 1966 until 1969. Nils Astrup also had great influence beyond the world of shipping, and through a series of high profile directorships he was a prominent force in the development of Norwegian industry after the Second World War. In recognition of his efforts of bringing great prosperity to Norway in the post-war years, the country bestowed the Order of St. Olaf on him (Den Kongelige Norske St. Olavs Orden). It is Norway's only order of chivalry and is awarded to individuals as a reward for remarkable accomplishments on behalf of the country.
After Nils Astrup died 29th September 1972 the gun passed to his son Halvor Nicolai Astrup (born 1939). Halvor Astrup was passionate about Africa and particularly dedicated to wildlife conservation efforts in the east African region.
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Estimate £15,000-20,000