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PURDEY
A 12-BORE TOP LEVER HAMMER GUN, NO. 7747, BUILT IN 1868 FOR LORD RIPON (AS EARL DE GREY)
30-inch barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers about true cylinder borings, sunken game rib, the rounded frame, non-rebounding back locks, hammers and top lever with fine scroll engraving, bolstered fences, 14 1/4-inch well figured stock with engraved steel butt plate, 6lb. 10oz., black powder proof, bores marked
The maker confirms that the gun was built for Lord Ripon in 1868 as the number two gun of a set of three. The whereabouts of the othe guns is unknown.
Lord Ripon, Earl de Grey, was born in 1852 and bcame the second Marquis of Ripon in 1909. He is arguably the greatest game shot of all time with a recorded life time's total of 556,813 head of game. Much of his shooting was conducted with a set of three guns and with great speed of loading is known to have had seven dead birds in the air at one time. He persisted in the use of hammer guns. The unprecedented size of his "bag" has led to his frequent description of the greatest shot of all and his feats are unlikely ever to be repeated.
At Studley Royal, his Yorkshire estate, he entertained the royalty and nobility of England and Europe and in turn shot with the greatest sporting estates, such as Holkham, Sandringham and Elveden in the heyday of the shooting party. It was his combination of natural ability and total commitment to his chosen sport which raised him above the level of other good shots. In the shooting field throughout his life he was repeatedly top score and despite increasing age he maintained the highest standard to the end. He died on September 22nd 1923 in the field, having killed 51 grouse on his last drive. While the last birds of the day were being picked up, he fell down dead. |
Sold for £5000
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London |
| 14 December 2011 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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