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J. PURDEY
A .360 PRESENTATION HAMMER RIFLE, NO. 9165, PRESENTED BY H.R.H THE PRINCE OF WALES TO H.H. THE NIZAM OF THE DECCAN, 1876
27-inch damascus barrels with folding leaf sight, the rib engraved "To H.H. The Nizam of the Deccan from H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, KG CGSI, 1876", the rounded frame, non-rebounding back locks, hammers and rotary underlever with fine scroll engraving and retaining some original hardening colour, bolted hammers, 14 1/2-inch well figured stock with engraved steel butt plate, inlaid with a large gold oval bearing the Prince of Wales feathers and Star of India insignia, 14 1/2-inch pull, 7lb. 12oz., black powder proof, in its maker's brassbound oak and leather case, the lid inscribed "H.H. The Mizan .360 Express"
S58
The maker confirms that the rifle was ordered by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales in 1875 and is recorded in the ledger as a .360 pea rifle. The accounts ledgers give a detailed account of the rifles that were supplied to the Prince to give as gifts during his famous Indian tour. The extract relating to this rifle records "C.F. double pea rifle, 100-bore, no. 9165, in case complete, engrave on barrels H.H. The Nizam of the Deccan, etc, fine gold oval, engraving, 200 cartridges". The account marked under the name of Her Majesty's Government.
The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) departed for an epic eight month tour of India in 1875, returning in 1876. The Royal tour was without precedent and many rifles were given as gifts to the various Maharajas that the Prince visited. Purdey records show that Her Majesty's government placed an order for 40-bore, 60-bore and 100-bore rifles to be presented to the Maharajah Sir Jung Bahadoor, the Maharajah of Viziawagran, the Nawab of Iniwra and the Nizam of the Deccan. A footnote in the records records "all of these were taken by H.R.H. Prince of Wales to India as gifts, 1875". A budget of some £60,000 had been allowed for the Prince's own expenditure to include presents to the native rulers with rifles from Purdey and Alex Henry being procured for the purpose. |
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, London |
| 11 December 2019 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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