Product Details
PURDEY
A 12-BORE 1863 (SECOND PATENT) THUMBHOLE UNDERLEVER HAMMERGUN, serial no. 7778,
30in. nitro reproved (in 2010) replacement fine damascus barrels by Leopold Bernard (possibly in 1881), rib engraved 'CANON F.P. A. CHAPU 7 RUE LAURISTON PARIS', 2 3/4in. chambers, bored approx. 3/4 choke in both, carved percussion fences, floating rebounding back-action locks with dolphin hammers, border and acanthus scroll engraving (some external wear and occasional pitting), retaining very slight traces of original colour-hardening, 14 5/8in. figured stock including 3/4in. extension (chipped at heel), slightly cast on, weight 7lb. 3oz.. in a leather leg of mutton case. We are kindly informed by the maker that this shotgun was completed 1868 with 30in. barrels and cast on stock for Lord Dupplin.
Provenance: George Hay-Drummond, Viscount Dupplin and 12th Earl of Kinnoull was born to a noble Scottish family on 16th July 1827 at the family seat, Dupplin Castle. He was a keen sporting man and became friends with the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, himself a prominent and capable shot and the two of them spent much of each grouse season together.
It is written that Viscount Dupplin was invited aboard the Royal Yacht and discussed with the tailors, Henry Poole of Savile Row, a suitable outfit for the occasion. What resulted came to be known as the dinner jacket which has changed little since. It is thought that the jacket caused a few good natured eye-brows to be raised on board, however, since the Prince of Wales adopted a similar cut soon after, it quickly became the style of choice for all but the most formal of evening wear.
Estimate £2,000-3,000
THE ABOVE LOT WILL REQUIRE THE BUYER TO PRODUCE A RELEVANT BRITISH SHOTGUN CERTIFICATE OR REGISTERED FIREARMS DEALER LICENCE BEFORE IT MAY BE RELEASED.