|
J. PURDEY
A 50-BORE PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLE, NO. 1322
26-inch barrel with folding leaf sight, platinum lined breech with platinum plug, engraved tang, non-rebounding bar lock and bolted hammer with scroll engraving and retaining traces of hardening colour, the half length bird's eye maple stock with cheekpiece and engraved steel butt plate, 13 3/4-inch pull, 4lb. 12oz., black powder proof, partially refinished overall, in its maker's mahogany case
S58
The maker confirms that the gun was sold in 1828 at a cost of £25. It is recorded as a "small rifle, maple stock" and was sold to Joseph Lang and that he further purchased a new mahogany case for £2 4s.
The case label is the rare 315 Oxford Street example that has later been corrected in ink to 314½. The barrel of the rifle has been re-engraved with the address as 315½. It is highly likely that this was originally 314½ or 315 Oxford Street and that during restoration the incorrect number has been engraved.
James Purdey moved in to the former Manton premises at 315 Oxford Street during the course of 1826/7. It appears that very few guns were sold bearing this address as Purdey very quickly changed this to 314½ Oxford Street and all guns sold from those premises subsequently bore that address. |
 |
| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, London |
| 1 December 2015 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
|
|
