^Lot 2354 20 GA. J. PURDEY & SONS SIDELOCK EJECTOR SELF-

OPENING GAME GUN. Cal. 20 Ga. 3" magnum. S# 24725 (ca 1932). The 26" chopper lump barrels are engraved "J. Purdey & Sons Audley House South Audley Street. London. England" on very narrow swamped game rib. Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 3" chambers at 3-1/2 tons. Barrels were made before 1972 as there is no date mark. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with S#s however, there are no Purdey markings or barrel maker's initials. Tube numbers "34327" & "34328" are on loop. Small size Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE" inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, arrowhead tumbler end cocking indicators and double triggers. Action is filed in traditional manner with the exception of special order relief carved foliate fences as found on some Purdey guns dating from the early 1900's. Action and lockplates are engraved with traditional Purdey house style rose and scroll. Maker's name is on each lockplate. Bottom of action is engraved "Purdey's Patent". Top lever is engraved "PATENT". Trigger guard is also scroll engraved; S# is on tang. Straight grip buttstock made of very nicely marbled and somewhat stump figured European walnut measures 14-3/8" over checkered wood butt and features standard drop points, point pattern grip checkering and silver oval on toeline engraved with monogram "PCF" (?). Matching splinter new style ejector forend with Anson release has S# newly stamped and is not marked with actioner's initials. MEASUREMENTS: BBLS: Bore Diameter: L .613. R .614. Restriction: L .014 (mod). R .007 (IC). Wall thickness: L .026. R .018. STOCK: DAH: 2-1/4". DAC: 1-1/2"-. CAST: about 5/8" off. LOP:14-3/8". WEIGHT: 5 lb. 11 oz. CONDITION: very fine as reconditioned probably in the 60's. Barrels, forend and trigger guard appear to post-date the action and retain most of their original finishes (trigger guard considerably silvered on tang). Action retains about 90% of a re-color with engraving somewhat softened especially around bottom and on safety. Later scroll engraving appears on forend iron and trigger guard which does not match original quality. Buttstock appears to be original with wood slightly under metal at bottom of action and retains most of its good quality refinish. Checkering cleaned. Bores are bright and shiny. Action is tight; barrels are on face. Right ejector is live. (25-5226/MGM). CURIO. $8,000-12,000.