Product Details
WILLIAM EVANS (FROM PURDEY'S)
A MATCHED PAIR OF 12-BORE BOXLOCK EJECTORS, serial no. 3831 / 4389,
30in. nitro barrels, ribs engraved 'WILLIAM EVANS FROM PURDEY'S. 63 PALL MALL. ST. JAMES'S. LONDON.', and gold-inlaid '1' and '2' at the breech ends, 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 both (No.1) and imp. cyl. and 1/2 choke (No.2), treble-grip actions, slender toplevers gold-inlaid '1' and '2', removable striker discs, automatic safeties with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' details, intercepting sears, fine acanthus scroll engraving with beaded borders and floral bouquets, 'WILLIAM EVANS FROM PURDEY'S LONDON' engraved in elaborate banners to the sides, brushed bright finish overall, 14 5/8in. well-figured stocks including 1in. rubber recoil pads, weight 6lb. 10oz., in their brass-cornered leather case
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that gun no. 3831 was ordered in 1898 and completed on the 25th April 1899 for Captain A. Catrielle Hyde.
Gun no. 4389 was ordered 'to match his present gun in length, bend, plaud, cast, weight, boring so as to make a pair' in 1899 and delivered in August 1900.
In 1971 the guns were sold to renowned English football player and manager John (Jack) Charlton OBE, DL by Linsley Bros. Leeds. (Jack was playing for Leeds United at this time in his career).
A keen sportsman in the field as well as on the pitch, in 1983 Yorkshire Television produced a ten episode series 'Jacks Game' which starred Jack in a variety of shooting environments - episode one shooting pigeon with the inimitable Archie Coates and thence to stag, rabbit, rough, pheasant and so on.
The current vendor purchased the guns from Jack several years ago and is pictured here collecting the guns.
Other Notes: Copies of the original order book pages with William Evans' transcripts are supplied with this Lot; together with the original barrel report from Linsley Bros, dated 12-7-71 authenticated by being signed by Jack comes with the guns.
The photograph autographed by Jack as the guns were sold by him to the current vendor is also supplied.
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Estimate £3,000-5,000
S2