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J. PURDEY & SONS
A RARE PATENT LIGHT GUN, NO. 10
28-inch steel barrels, the right barrel fitted with optical lenses and provision for electrical contacts, the half length stock and wooden action with straight hand grip and 15-inch pull, the trigger guard engraved with the maker's name and the legend Patent Applied For, ribbed butt plate concealing battery compartment, 4lb. 6oz., bulbs and some electrical parts missing
James Purdey & Son are unable to confirm how many light guns they built as shooting aids, however it is likely to have been very few. The first is known to have been built in 1929 for King George V during his convalescence from serious illness. Emitting a beam of light at the pull of the trigger, the King could practice his aim and exercise his arms without having to go outdoors. The pattern was further developed by Tom Purdey, who took out a provisional patent in 1933. The example here has a very low number, stamped both on the barrels and inside the fore-end and is also marked Patent Applied For. |
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, New Bond Street |
| 16 December 2009 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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