Product Details
J. PURDEY & SONS
A FINE, EARLY 12-BORE SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR, serial no. 11684,
30in. black powder only Whitworth-steel chopperlump barrels, rib engraved 'J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID PRESSED STEEL', 2 1/2in. chambers, bored approx. 1/4 and 1/2 choke, minor ring bulge left tube, treble-grip self-opening action with hidden third bite, the fences finely carved in high relief with leaf motifs, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, arrow cocking-indicators, best fine acanthus scroll engraving with floral bouquets, retaining some original colour-hardening and renewed finish, 14in. very highly-figured stock including 3/8in. buttplate, gold oval escutcheon with scroll detailing and inscribed 'JUNE 30TH C.S. FROM J.P. 1883', weight 6lb. 9oz., in a modern brass-cornered leather case
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that the gun was a private order by James Purdey (the Younger) for a Mr Carl Svedberg.
The 1881 Census has Carl Svedberg listed as an Iron Monger Merchant staying as a 'lodger' in Marylebone, London and by the 1891 Census, he is married to Constance J Svedberg and living in Kensington.
The Civil Registration Marriage Index lists Carl Svedberg and Constance Julia Purdey in the April-May-June quarter of 1883 and the London and Surrey Marriage Bonds and Allegations records show Svedberg to have applied for a licence of marriage on the 15th June 1883.
Constance Julia Purdey (born 1863) was James Purdey the Younger's second daughter. It would seem appropriate that the gun, with its dated presentation escutcheon from James Purdey, will have been a wedding gift to his new son-in-law.
The makers further confirm that "The finishers book records that the gun was engraved by Lucas, and that it was built for 'C. Svedberg, per Mr. Purdey'. The entry also refers to 'P.L 5', which is most likely a reference to the private ledgers rather than the company accounts, as would be appropriate for a gift."
Exhibited: Previously sold at Gavin Gardiner Limited, April 2008 for £10,000
Literature: The gun features in an article in 'The Field' magazine, August 2008 (a copy supplied with the Lot)
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Estimate £7,000-9,000
S2