Product Details
J. PURDEY & SONS.
A 12-BORE SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR, serial no. 16092,
30in. nitro chopperlump barrels, the rib engraved 'J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID PRESSED STEEL.' and scroll engraved at the breech end, 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. imp. cyl. and full choke, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, removable striker discs, arrow cocking-indicators, best fine bouquet and scroll engraving, brushed bright and blued finish, 15in. well-figured stock including 1 1/4in. figured wooden extension, weight 6lb. 13oz., in its brass-cornered leather case. The makers have kindly confirmed that this shotgun was completed May 1898 for Loftus Morton Fortier, Esq.
Provenance: The Canadian, Loftus Morton Fortier, was born in Kingston 1858 and his predecessors included Charles Aubert de Chesnaye who was a successful trader on the Atlantic coast, as well a later becoming a Seigneur of Quebec. He spent most of his working life with the civil service and towards the latter part of his career held a senior post with the Department of the Interior, an exciting position during the frantic years of expansion in the late 1890s and early 1900s.
After moving to Annapolis Royal in Nova Scotia, he worked hard to assure the future of the old French fortress of Fort Anne. His efforts were rewarded when in 1917, the Canadian government made the fort and 32-acres of adjoining land an historic national park. It was here that Fortier worked as a voluntary curator following his retirement.
Estimate £7,000-9,000
THE ABOVE LOT WILL REQUIRE THE BUYER TO PRODUCE A RELEVANT BRITISH SHOTGUN CERTIFICATE OR REGISTERED FIREARMS DEALER LICENCE BEFORE IT MAY BE RELEASED.