Details of Lot 135
J. PURDEY & SON
A SCARCE 16-BORE DELCOUR-ENGRAVEVD SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK EJECTOR GUN, NO. 27285

26-inch replacement chopper-lump barrels by the maker, with 2 3/4-inch chambers, about 1/4 and 1/2 choke borings, stippled flat top rib, the frame, locks and top lever profusely engraved with bold foliate scrollwork surrounding highly detailed scenes of gold inlaid game birds against realistic background scenes, fences carved with oak leaves, retaining some original hardening colour, lined cocking indicators, 15-inch highly figured stock including leather covered recoil pad, 6lb. 2oz., nitro proof, in its maker's leather case
S2

The maker confirms that the gun was ordered by Oscar Straus II and delivered in September 1965. It was actioned by Ben Delay and stocked by Harold Delay. Rene Delcour engraved the gun with "large scroll and bird engraving in gold on the locks and underside". The gun was subsequently re-barrelled by maker in 1983.

Rene Delcour was born in 1930 and learned engraving at the Armoury School of Liege. He worked for a number of years at Browning in Liege before becoming an engraving teacher in 1963. His pupils have included Philippe Griffnee, Ken Hunt and Cecile Flohimont.
Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns
The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
26 August 2019
Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply