A .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3255 For 1840With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves and with folding leaf sights each with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech (nipple replaced) with platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, case-hardened tang engraved with symmetrical foliate scrollwork, sighting flat en suite, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, dolphin hammer (repaired and partly re-engraved) decorated en suite, engraved safety-catch, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved blued steel mounts decorated with scrolling foliage and comprising butt-plate with a stag in a landscape on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a running stag in a landscape on the bow between borders of repeated flowering foliage, case-hardened trigger-plate with engraved pointed finial, hinged circular patch-box cover decorated with a flower-head centred on a border en suite with the trigger-guard, engraved steel barrel-bolt escutcheons, blued adjustable set trigger, sling mounts, original horn-tipped ramrod, and retaining much of its blued and case-hardened finish (areas of old scattered pitting), London proof marks 69.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 154. Recorded as sold on 7 August 1840. Built for Lord Seymour at a cost of £42.0.0 (cased complete)Dallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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A Cased .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3373 For 1840With browned twist sighted barrels (some old scattered pitting) signed in full along the rib, each rifled with ten spiral grooves and leaf-sighed from '100' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and decorated with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, case-hardened tang engraved with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanisms (one mainspring replaced) retaining their burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite and each with blued safety-stop in front, highly figured half-stock (minor old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved blued steel mounts comprising chequered butt (some rust patination and loss of finish on the heel) decorated with foliate scrollwork along the tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with a circular arrangement of feathering above a flower-head on the pointed finial, hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover decorated en suite with the trigger-plate finial centred on a flower-head and within a border en suite with the trigger-guard, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's crest, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a circular feathered design, brass-mounted ramrod housed in the case, and retaining much original finish: in original lined and fitted brass-mounted mahogany case (some moth damage, compartment lids replaced) with accessories including Dixon & Sons brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, and steel bullet mould and sprue-cutter both serial numbered '3397' for 1840, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor damage), the exterior (some old scratching) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 75 barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 155. Recorded as sold on 21 July 1840 for £84.0.0. Built for Lord Seagrave. Noted as 'put in stock 4th June 1840', and that the price included 'M&L' [mahogany and outer leather cases]Dallas, p. 191The crest appears to be that of Thomas Moreton Fitzharding Berkeley (1796-1888), 6th Earl of Berkeley and 14th Baron BerkeleyFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Very Rare .850 (8-Bore) Percussion D.B. Big Game Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3839 For 1844With shortened rebrowned twist sighted barrels (back-sight replaced) signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed) and each rifled with twelve spiral grooves, border engraved breeches retaining traces of case-hardening and each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and engraved with a tiger's mask on the flat between, foliate scroll engraved tang, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the left lock with a tiger in a landscape, and the right with a lion in a landscape, foliate scroll engraved hammers each with a safety-catch in front, re-ebonised half-stock over old bruising and surface damage (some of the finish lifting and incomplete around the back of the lock cavities) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate (pitted and filed off on the heel tang), trigger-guard with foliate scroll engraved serial numbered patent grip-safety and retaining traces of engraved lion in a landscape on the bow, the latter retaining traces of original blueing on the inside, long slender tang engraved with foliate scrolls, hinged circular patch-box cover re-engraved with a lion in a landscape within a border of repeated flowering foliage, the inside engraved 'drams 2½', grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a flower-head, original serial numbered brass-mounted ramrod, and reproduction black leather sling (in refurbished condition, some old wear and pitting), London proof marks and James Purdey barrelsmith's mark (3)75 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 157. Recorded as sold on 9 April 1844. Unsworth notes 'Purchased with No. 3840 ['A Large Double Bullet Gun'] for a total of £150 and with a Wainscot case to hold both 'furnished complete'. No. 3839 was described as 'A Large Double Rifle 2 ozs.' (i.e. 8 bore), with a grip safety-lever but not the intercepting sears. The pair was brought by an officer of the Madras Light Cavalry. The rifle retains its brass-bound oak case with an inner tray for No. 3840. The rifling pitch is one turn in 30''; the patch-box cover is engraved inside 2½ drams; lion on the lid; lion and tiger on the lock-plates, 'A double 8 bore is rare'. Built for the Hon. H. ArbuthnotDallas, p. 192Offered with the original brass-mounted two-tier oak case (linings and compartments missing, tray replaced) acquired from D.B. 'Bunney' Tubbs in July 1996; and an 8-bore brass bullet-mouldFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .450 (38-Bore) Percussion Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2699 For 1846With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed), rifled with ten spiral grooves, and with back-sight with single folding leaf, each with central platinum line, recessed patent breech with platinum line and pierced platinum plug, tang engraved with symmetrical foliate scrolls and with a spray of leaves on the sighting flat, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with a prone stag and hind in a landscape and with foliate scrollwork on the tail, dolphin hammer with scrollwork en suite, large engraved safety-catch, highly figured half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with horn cap, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising butt-plate with a running boar in a landscape on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard retaining some original blueing, with chequered spur and decorated with a running stag in a landscape between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with foliate scroll engraved pointed finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, sling mounts, and original brass-mounted ramrod (some old wear and areas of pitting): in relined and refitted brass-mounted oak case with accessories including Dixon & Sons brass-mounted powder-flask, mainspring clamp, reproduction sprue-cutter, and reproduction combination tool, in its leather wallet, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, and with contemporary leather travelling cover, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 67 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 151. Recorded as sold on 7 May 1846 for £36.15.0. This rifle appears to have initially been sold to Lord Lennox, then returned and resold to a Mr. R. SheffieldDallas, p. 192For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .500 (32-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 4165 For 1849With browned damascus twist sighted barrels (some loss of finish) signed in full along the rib, each rifled with eight spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '50' to '100' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug engraved as a rosette, and decorated with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, case-hardened tang engraved with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, dolphin hammers (each nose repaired) decorated en suite and each with blued safety-catch in front, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved blued steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate (some loss of finish) decorated with foliate scrollwork along the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with long slender finial, hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover decorated with a flower-head centred on a border en suite with the trigger-guard, vacant silver escutcheon, foliate engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a flower-head, brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining some original finish: in its oak case partly refitted and relined in burgundy baize with accessories including James Dixon & Sons brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, steel bullet mould and reproduction sprue-cutter, and reproduction combination tool, in its leather wallet, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (stained and damaged), the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 69.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceA pencilled note in the Purdey records suggest that this rifle was in the D.H.L. Back CollectionLiteratureUnsworth, p. 159. Recorded as sold on 17 August 1849. Unsworth notes 'Described as a 'Small Double Rifle. Cased'. Built for a Mr. Bradley and later resold to a Mr. H.W. SaltDallas, p. 192For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Very Fine Cased .550 (26-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion D.B. Two-Groove Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 4728 For 1852With browned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, each rifled for a belted ball, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug engraved with a rosette, and decorated with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, case-hardened tang engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage, signed case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite and each with blued safety-catch in front, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved blued steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate decorated with a circular arrangement of feathering and foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with long slender finial decorated with two flower-heads, hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover decorated with a flower-head centred on a circular arrangement of feathering within a border en suite with the trigger-guard, foliate scroll engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, original serial numbered brass-mounted ramrod, and in fine condition retaining nearly all its original finish: in contemporary lined and fitted oak case with accessories including Bartram brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, brass bullet mould, reproduction bullet swedge and two original wooden bullet starters, and steel combination tool, in later leather wallet, the interior of the lid with reproduction trade label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 72.4 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 164. Recorded as sold on 19 June 1852. Built for a Mr. Henry CuretonDallas, p. 192The bullet moulds for this rifle, formerly in the Mark and Peter Dineley Collections, were sold in these Rooms, Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 27 November 2019, part of lot 446For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare And Unusual .450 (50-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion Two-Groove Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 5798 For 1860With rebrowned damascus twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat and rifled for a belted ball, leaf-sighted from '100' to '250' yards, each leaf with slender platinum line, folding adjustable long range sight from '300' yards and with slender platinum line, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech with platinum line and pierced platinum plug engraved with a rosette within an engraved border, the serial number scratched onto the flat of the breech-hook, tang engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanism retaining its case-hardened and burnished finish, dolphin hammer decorated en suite and with blued safety-catch in front, figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end (minor old split on one side), the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts retaining some original blueing and case-hardening, comprising chequered butt-plate with foliate engraved heel, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of ropework on the bow, trigger-plate with chequered pineapple finial, hinged circular patch-box cover with a circular arrangement of foliage centred on a border of ropework, the inside engraved '3 Drams. R. Powder', engraved steel barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, sling mounts, and horn-tipped ramrod, London proof marks 77 cm. barrelFootnotes:ProvenanceL. Patrick Unsworth Collection LiteratureUnsworth, p. 171, pls. 80-82. Recorded as sold on 26 January 1860 for £18.0.0. Unsworth notes 'one of the few singles with Purdey's own style of hammer and the only rifle to have been encountered in which the fore-end of the lock-plate is surrounded above and below by the stock-wood, made to special order by restocking the barrel, fitting new lock, new furniture and executing extra engraving. For a full account of this rifle see idem, pp. 101-103. Originally built for Mr. Thomas Walton Roberts and later resold to the Duke of Hamilton and BrandonDallas, p. 192For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .550 (32-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion Two-Groove Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 5902 For 1860With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the top flat (interrupted by later dove-tailed mounts for a telescopic sight) and each rifled for a belted ball, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '250' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug engraved with a rosette, and decorated with symmetrical foliage on the flat between, case-hardened tang engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, the mechanisms retaining their case-hardened and burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite (noses chipped) and each with safety-catch in front, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate with foliate engraving on the heel, serial numbered trigger-guard retaining some original blueing, with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with slender foliate scroll engraved finial, hinged circular patch-box cover with a circular arrangement of foliage centred on a border of repeated flowering foliage, the inside engraved '2½ drms. Rifle Powder.', engraved steel barrel-bolt escutcheons (head of barrel-bolt chipped), sling mounts, and original brass-mounted ramrod, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark; together with its brass bullet mould serial numbered to the rifle (2)75 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 172. Recorded as sold on 24 August 1860 for £84.0.0. Built for 'Earl of Morton's son'. The Earl of Morton's son was Sholto George Douglas, 19th Earl of Morton (1844-1935) of Dalmahoy, Morton, Kirknewton, West Lothian, ScotlandDallas, p. 192For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .450 (40-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion D.B. Two-Groove Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6028 For 1861With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, each rifled for a belted ball, and with recoloured leaf-sights for '150' to '250' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved breeches retaining traces of case-hardening and each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug engraved with a rosette, decorated with symmetrical foliate scrollwork in the flat between, and engraved 'No.' and '2' respectively on the breech-hooks, case-hardened tang engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage and '2' between the apertures for the hooks, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork and stamped with lockmaker's initials 'J.G.' on the inside, the mechanisms retaining their case-hardened and burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite and each with blued safety-catch in front, highly figured half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts (some loss of finish) decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising chequered butt-plate engraved '3â…“ drms. No.6 POWDER' on the heel, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with long slender finial decorated with two flower-heads, and hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover with a flower-head centred on a circular arrangement of scrolling foliage within a border en suite with the trigger-guard, engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons (barrel-bolt chipped), sling mounts, and original serial numbered brass-mounted ramrod: in original lined and fitted brass-mounted oak case with accessories including James Dixon & Sons white-metal mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped body covered in black pigskin, the top stamped with registration mark for 1856, original brass bullet mounted serial numbered '6027.8', steel sprue-cutters, bullet swedge numbered '5796' and two reproduction bullet starters, japanned powder magazine painted 'Improved Rifle Powder.' in gilt, steel combination tool, in its leather wallet, and leather sling, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, and with its original outer leather travelling cover, London proof marks 72.8 cm. barrelsFootnotes:ProvenanceL. Patrick Unsworth CollectionLiteratureUnsworth, pp. 98-101 and 172, col. pl. 46, pls. 83-86. Recorded as sold on 9 August 1861 for £168.0.0. Unsworth notes 'Purchased by Col. Farquharson of Invercauld. 6028 still exists complete with outer leather cover and oak case with many accessories.'Dallas, p. 192Colonel James Ross Farquharson (1834-1888) was 13th Laird of Invercauld, an estate in Aberdeenshire which includes the family seat, Braemar Castle. He entered the army in 1853 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Scots Fusilier Guards. While serving in the Crimea War, he suffered serious wounds at Sebastopol on 29 August 1855, and was subsequently awarded the Crimean medal and clasps. He retired his commission in 1859, and in 1862 became Laird of Invercauld. At that time he became 'The Queen's Landlord', as the royal family leased land from him enabling the expansion of the Balmoral estateFor no. 6027 see The Thomas R. Prudente Collection, Christie's South Kensington, Fine Antique Arms, Armour And Sporting Guns... 17 December 2015, lot 95For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .500 (40-Bore) Pin-Fire D.B. Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6230 For 1863With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves, signed in full along the rib and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf reblued and with central platinum line, long slender border engraved tang decorated with foliate scrollwork, swept fences, rounded action, rotary under-lever of Lefaucheux type with hollowed terminal chequered for the fingers, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented back-action locks, and dolphin hammers all decorated en suite, the last each with blued safety-catch, figured half-stock with cheek-piece and chequered grip, chequered detachable fore-end with plain under-lever flat and engraved steel mounts, steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate engraved 'Charge 2¼ Drms' over 'No. 6 Powder' on the heel, border engraved trigger-guard retaining some blueing, serial numbered behind the chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, and retaining some original finish: in original brass-mounted oak case fitted and lined in burgundy baize with some accessories including James Dixon & Sons brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, steel bullet-mould, and brass powder-measure, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 76.2 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 173. Recorded as sold on 13 July 1863 for £88.0.0. Built for a Mr. J.D. Gordon (see following lot)Dallas, p. 193For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .650 (16-Bore) Pin-Fire D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6689 For 1864With browned damascus twist sighted barrels (some old surface patination) each rifled with six spiral grooves and signed in full along the rib in front of the folding leaf-sights from '50' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, long slender border engraved case-hardened tang decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a shell on the sighting flat, swept fences, case-hardened rounded action, rotary under-lever of Lefaucheux type with hollowed terminal chequered for the fingers, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented back-action locks, each stamped with lockmaker's initials 'IB' on the inside, the mechanisms retaining their case-hardened and burnished finish, and dolphin hammers all decorated en suite, the latter each with blued safety-catch, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece and chequered grip, chequered detachable fore-end with plain under-lever flat and engraved steel mounts, steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate engraved 'CHARGE' over '4 dms. No. 6 for Round Ball' and '3½ dms. do. for Cone Ball' on the heel retaining traces of original blueing, border engraved trigger-guard serial numbered in front of the chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's initials, and retaining much of its original finish: in original oak case fitted and lined in burgundy baize (some moth damage) with accessories including steel bullet moulds for casting conical and spherical bullets respectively, reproduction sprue-cutter, and James Dixon & Sons 16-bore capper/decapper, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (old damage) with handwritten loading instructions, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, and with an associated outer leather travelling cover, London proof marks 69 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 176. Built for a Mr. J.D. Gordon (see preceding lot) as no. 2 of a pair of individually cased d.b. pin-fire riflesDallas, p. 193For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Very Fine And Rare Cased .600 (18-Bore) Pin-Fire Bastin System D.B. Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 7019 For 1865With browned damascus twist barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves, matted along the rib at the breech and towards the fore-sight, and signed in full forward of the folding leaf sights from '50' to '300' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, case-hardened long slender tang decorated with symmetrical foliate scrollwork, swept fences, border engraved sliding breech-action and lever of Bastin Le Page type all made in one and decorated en suite, the lever with blued spring catch and sliding the barrels for loading and unloading, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented back-action locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork and stamped with locksmith's initials 'JP' on the inside, the mechanisms retaining their case-hardened and burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite, pierced for extracting cartridges and each with blued safety-catch in front, highly figured butt with cheek-piece and chequered grip, blued steel mounts comprising chequered butt engraved 'Charge 2¾' over 'No. 6 Powder' on the heel, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliage scrollwork between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, vacant silver escutcheon, and in exceptional condition retaining virtually all its original finish: in original fitted oak case lined in burgundy baize with accessories including original steel bullet mould and case-trimmer serial numbered to the rifle, powder-measure, chamber-brush, and early cartridge-case resizer/extractor, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label with handwritten loading instructions, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, and with its original leather travelling cover, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 76 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceW. Keith Neal CollectionL. Patrick Unsworth Collection. Offered with a typed label giving details of the rifle and confirming its purchase from W. Keith Neal on 18 May 1985LiteratureUnsworth, pp. 122-125 and p. 178, pls. 87-89. Recorded as sold on 5 August 1865 for £88.0.0. Built for a Mr. Edward Ladd Betts, 9 St. George Street, WestminsterDallas, p. 193For more information see I.M. Crudgington & D.J. Baker, The British Shotgun, Volume One 1850-1870, 1979, pp. 84 and 212For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Percussion Officer's Pistol Of Carbine BoreRetailed by Purdey, London, Mid-19th CenturyWith rebrowned twist sighted barrel signed along the top flat at the breech (signature refreshed), foliate engraved breech with platinum line and threaded plug, foliate scroll engraved tang with back-sight, signed border engraved flat lock (action defective) decorated with foliate scrollwork (safety-catch repaired), foliate engraved dolphin hammer (top repaired), figured full stock with chequered rounded butt stamped with Purdey secondary number '87', trigger-guard retaining traces of engraved decoration on the bow and with a shell on the pineapple-shaped finial, vacant white-metal escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and replacement stirrup ramrod, London proof marks 19 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Cased 27-Bore Percussion D.B. Pistol By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2276 For 1833With rebrowned twist sighted barrels, border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and engraved with a starburst between, long border engraved tang decorated with a martial trophy and with foliate scrolls either side of the sighting groove, the latter engraved with a starburst, border engraved rounded back-action locks each signed in full, decorated with foliate scrollwork, and with blued safety-catch engaging with the rear of each foliate engraved hammer, the mechanisms (one mainspring an old replacement) retaining their burnished finish, ebonised half-stock with chequered rounded butt, the latter with rounded butt-trap engraved with a ropework border and with hinged ovoidal cover decorated with a flower-head, border engraved trigger-guard retaining some blueing on the inside and decorated with a martial trophy on the bow, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, chequered forward trigger, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and stirrup ramrod (light rust patination): in associated lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including Sykes brass-mounted powder-flask retaining much of its lacquered finish, brass powder-measure, and steel combination tool, the interior of the lid with large light blue maker's trade label, the exterior with highly figured veneer and circular vacant escutcheon, London proof marks 11.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 133. Recorded as 'one of a pair of 'Small Double Pistols' sold on 8 July 1833 for £52.10.0. Built for Lord MiddletonFor a pair of similar pistols by the same maker (nos. 2727 and 2728) and sold in these Rooms see Antique Arms, Armour & Modern Sporting Guns, 25 July 2012, lot 306For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine Cased And Very Rare 16-Bore Percussion D.B. Travelling PistolBy J. Purdey, Princes Street, Leicester Square, London, No. 846, Circa 1825With browned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with short platinum line, pierced platinum plug, and engraved with a starburst between, nipples stamped 'L' and 'R' respectively, case-hardened tang engraved with a symmetrical design of foliage and with a shell in the sighting groove, signed border engraved case-hardened detented locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, a starburst and with a martial trophy on the tail, dolphin hammers en suite (each nose chipped), engraved safety-catches, and the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, highly figured half-stock with chequered rounded butt (minor score on one side), border engraved blued steel mounts comprising rounded butt-cap decorated with a flower-head centred on the engraved retaining screw, trigger-guard decorated with a martial trophy on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with pineapple finial, chequered forward trigger, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, original brass-mounted ramrod, and in fine condition retaining nearly all its original finish: in its lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask, and combination tool, in its leather wallet, the exterior of the lid (some bruising along the back) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a knurled flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and barrelsmith's mark of Charles Lancaster 19 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 130. Built for a Mr. Thistlethwayte Dallas, p. 190This appears to be the earliest known cased percussion pistol by PurdeyFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Pair Of 50-Bore Percussion Rifled Target Pistols By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 1326 And 1327 For 1828With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each rifled with sixteen grooves (some old pitting), signed in full along the top flat and numbered '1' and '2' respectively at the breech, case-hardened patent breeches each with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, case-hardened tangs each engraved with symmetrical foliage and numbered '1' and '2' respectively on a martial trophy behind the back-sight, signed border engraved case-hardened serial-numbered detented flat locks each decorated with scrolling foliage, dolphin hammers (one retaining screw replaced) decorated en suite and each engaging with an engraved safety-catch, highly figured half-stocks each with angled chequered rounded butt with ovoidal butt-cap engraved with roped border and with a feathered design centred on the retaining screw, trigger-guards each with foliate scrollwork on the border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple-shaped finial engraved with a shell, and border engraved fore-end caps each with a starburst, adjustable set triggers, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and no provision for ramrods (some old pitting and in refurbished condition); together with an original Purdey mahogany case (lining and compartments missing), the lined interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a circular flush-fitting brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark (3)24.8 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureThe pistols, Unsworth, p. 131. Recorded as sold on 31 January 1828 for £52.10.0. Built for a Mr. Jno. Raiham (sic)Cf. a related pair of pistols by the same maker (nos. 1433 and 1434) and sold in these Rooms see Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria..., 27 November 2019, lot 368For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Cased Pair Of 50-Bore Percussion Rifled Target PistolsBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 1130 And 1131 For 1827With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each rifled with sixteen grooves and signed in full along the top flat, case-hardened patent breeches each with blued back-sight, platinum line and pierced platinum plug, case-hardened tangs each engraved with scrolling foliage and with a shell on the flat, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with scrolling foliage, dolphin hammers decorated en suite and each engaging with an engraved safety-catch, ebonised half-stocks each with angled chequered rounded butt slightly flared above the ovoidal butt-cap, the latter engraved with roped border and with a feathered design centred on the retaining screw, dark horn fore-end caps, trigger-guards retaining some original blueing and each decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, case-hardened trigger-plates each with pineapple-shaped finial engraved with a shell, blued adjustable set triggers, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original ramrods each with long brass tip (some old rust patination): in lined and fitted brass-mounted mahogany case with brass-mounted two-way powder-flask (minor dents) retaining much of its lacquered finish, and other later accessories, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor old damage and some staining), the exterior (old splits) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and barrelsmith's mark of Thomas Evans 24.2 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 130. Recorded as sold on 2 May 1827 for £52.10.0. to a Captain Robert Innes, 2nd DragoonsDallas, p. 190For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare And Early Cased Pair Of 36-Bore Percussion Duelling PistolsBy J. Purdey Of London, Nos. 968 And 969 For 1826With rebrowned twist sighted barrels slightly swamped towards the muzzles, border engraved patent breeches (some old pitting) each with platinum line behind the back-sight and with pierced platinum plug, case-hardened tangs each decorated with a design of symmetrical scrollwork, a martial trophy and a shell on the sighting flat, signed detented flat bevelled locks each retaining some case-hardening, decorated with foliate scrollwork and serial numbered on the flat in front of the hammer, dolphin hammers (one hammer-nose repaired) decorated en suite and each engaging with an engraved safety-catch, figured half-stocks each with silver fore-end cap and chequered rounded butt with earliest form of flared ovoidal pommel, the latter inset with border engraved flat steel oval each decorated with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw, border engraved blued steel trigger-guards each with a martial trophy on the bow, trigger-plates each with large pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original brass-mounted ramrods, the tips also forming powder-measures: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask, leather-faced mallet/ramrod, and patch-cutter, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label with 4 Princes Street address, the exterior (some old bruising) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and barrelsmiths mark of Charles Lancaster over stamped with that of James Purdey 24 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceL. Patrick Unsworth Collection LiteratureUnsworth, pp. 37, 58-59, 62 and 130, col. pls. 17, 18, 20 and 22. Recorded as sold 3 June 1826 for £42.0.0. to Sir Richard Bulkeley Phillips, later Baron Milford of Phaim Lodge, Alton, Hampshire. Unsworth notes 'The earliest pistols with a contemporary account in the Ledgers and, for the present, the latest serial numbers known to have been sold from 4 Princes Street'Dallas, pp. 190 and p. 25, illustrated topDonald Dallas, James Purdey & Sons, Gun And Rifle Makers..., 2013, p. 62, illustrated topOffered with a typed label giving details of the pistols and signed by Mr. UnsworthFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Very Rare 16-Bore D.B. Flintlock Sporting Gun By Purdey, Princes Street, Leicester Square, London, No. 221, Circa 1820Reconverted from percussion, with rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, replacement recessed patent breeches each with rectangular gold-lined stamp between gold lines, platinum-lined touch-hole, and engraved with a starburst between, foliate scroll engraved tang decorated with a shell on the sighting groove, border engraved flat locks each serial numbered on the flat behind the pan shield, signed 'PURDEY' between foliate scrolls, and engraved 'PATENT' within foliage on the tail, external safety-catches each engaging with the back of the foliate engraved pierced cock and activated by the border engraved grip-safety engraved 'PATENT' centred on a starburst between foliage, figured half-stock (some old bruising) with chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate retaining traces of engraved decoration on the heel tang, and trigger-guard with symmetrical foliate scrolls involving a serpent on the bow, foliate engraved pineapple-shaped rear ramrod-pipe finial, and brass-mounted ramrod (some old wear, rust patination and re-engraving), barrelsmith's marks of Charles Lancaster 79.7 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 190 Previously unrecordedFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Early 15-Bore D.B. Percussion Sporting GunBy J. Purdey, Princes St.t., Leicester Square, London, No. 382, Circa 1822With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed), border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and decorated with a spaniel's head within a border on the flat between, tang engraved with symmetrical scrolls and with a shell on the sighting groove, recase-hardened signed border engraved serial numbered flat locks (one bolster repaired) each decorated with two coiled monsters with foliate tails, a starburst behind each hammer and 'PATENT' on the tail, patent external 'SAFETY' catches each engaging with the back of the dolphin hammer engraved en suite with the locks and activated by the border engraved grip-safety engraved 'PATENT' within a foliated monster's head, highly figured half-stock with chequered grip (some old bruising), border engraved blued steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with foliage involving a shell on the heel tang, trigger-guard decorated with a symmetrical design of two birds amid foliage on the border engraved bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with a scallop shell on the pointed finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and brass-mounted ramrod, probably original: in associated partly relined and fitted brass-mounted mahogany case numbered '357' in pencil beneath the compartment box (lid split), the interior of the lid (minor old damage along the front) with maker's trade label (worn and stained) with Princes Street address, the exterior with circular brass escutcheon engraved with owner's crest and initials, and centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and Charles Lancaster's barrelsmith's mark 70.5 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 182. Unsworth notes 'Believed to have been made originally for percussion caps...'. For 357 he notes '? Flintlock done up as new, July 1831'Dallas, p. 190For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Early 14-Bore Percussion D.B. Sporting Gun By J. Purdey, Princes Street, Leicester Square, London, No. 543, Circa 1823With rebrowned twist sighted barrels (light scattered pitting) signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed), border engraved recase-hardened breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and decorated with a starburst between, case-hardened tang engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage and with a starburst on the sighting groove, recase-hardened signed border engraved serial numbered locks (one bolster repaired) each decorated with foliate scrollwork, a starburst behind each hammer and 'PATENT' on the tail, patent external 'SAFETY' catches each engaging with the back of the dolphin hammer engraved en suite with the locks and activated by the border engraved grip-safety engraved 'PATENT' between scrolling foliage, highly figured half-stock with chequered grip (old repairs around the lock cavities), reblued border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, trigger-guard en suite on the bow, trigger-plate with scallop shell on the pointed finial, pineapple-shaped rear ramrod-pipe finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, brass-mounted ramrod, and in refurbished condition (one trigger repaired), London proof marks and Charles Lancaster's barrelsmith's mark 74.3 cm. barrelsFootnotes:Dallas, p. 190, and pl. 11 for percussion gun no. 544For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Cased 10-Bore Percussion Sporting GunBy J. Purdey, No. 315 Oxford Street, London, No. 1100 For 1827With rebrowned twist three-stage sighted barrel, octagonal breech signed in full along the top flat (signature refreshed) and becoming polygonal towards the turned girdle, recessed patent breech with platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, foliate scroll engraved tang decorated with a shell on the sighting flat, signed border engraved serial numbered flat lock engraved with scrolling foliage, dolphin hammer en suite, figured half-stock with dark horn fore-end cap and rechequered grip, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with foliage on the heel tang, and trigger-guard with a symmetrical design of scrolling foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with pineapple-shaped finial engraved with a scallop shell, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's crest, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, and brass-mounted ramrod (worm incomplete and cap missing, some old wear and rust patination): in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including Sykes patent powder-flask with brass top and bag-shaped planished tin body, leather shot-belt with brass Dixon & Sons patent nozzle, Sykes circular brass capper, steel combination tool, in its leather wallet, mainspring clamp and four steel double-ended shot-chargers, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (damaged) with 315 Oxford Street address, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and barrelsmith's mark of Thomas Evans 79.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 195. Recorded as sold 25 June 1827. Built for a Mr. J.C. ReeveSingle-barrelled percussion guns by Purdey are rare (see lot 53). For other examples see no. 1686 sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms & Armour..., 24 April 2013, lot 401; and Christie's London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 8 November 1995, lot 24For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 14-Bore Percussion D.B. Sporting GunBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2124 For 1831With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed), border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and decorated with foliage between, foliate scroll engraved tang decorated with a shell on the sighting groove, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammers en suite, ebonised half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece and chequered grip, recoloured border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with scrolling foliate on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard decorated en suite within borders of ropework on the bow, trigger-plate with a scallop shell on the pointed finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and brass-mounted ramrod, probably original (sling mount originally mounted on the rear ramrod-pipe removed), London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 74.7 cm. barrelsFootnotes:ProvenanceThe Gewehrkammer of the Kings of Hanover, Blankenburg until moved to Schloss Marienburg in 1945LiteratureUnsworth, p. 210. Recorded as sold on 27 June 1831 for £55.0.0. Built for the Duke of Brunswick (1806-1884). William VIII, Duke of Brunswick ruled the Duchy of Brunswick between 1830 and 1884 Dallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased 14-Bore Percussion D.B. Sporting GunBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3431 For 1840With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, case-hardened breeches (the breech-hooks numbered '3430') each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and engraved with foliage on the flat between, border engraved case-hardened tang finely engraved with foliate scrollwork including on the sighting groove, signed border engraved serial numbered case-hardened flat locks decorated with foliate scrollwork and with pheasants in a landscape on one, and a pointer in a landscape on the other, dolphin hammers decorated with foliate scrollwork en suite with locks, highly figured half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved blued steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising butt-plate and serial numbered trigger-guard, the latter with a pointer in a landscape on the bow, trigger-plate with engraved pointed finial, grooved forward trigger, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's monogram, engraved steel barrel-bolt escutcheons, and brass-mounted ramrod, probably original (in refurbished condition): in associated lined and fitted brass-mounted mahogany case with some accessories including Sykes patent brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, and black pigskin shot-flask with leather suspension strap, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 77.3 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 228. Recorded as one of a pair of double-barrelled guns sold on 27 June 1840. Built for Colonel Fane. Later split and resold, no. 2431 to 'Arnett Esqr.'Dallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine Cased 14-Bore Percussion D.B. Sporting Gun By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3520 For 1841With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib and serial numbered 3521, border engraved breeches each with short platinum line, pierced platinum plug, and engraved with symmetrical foliage between, case-hardened tang decorated with foliate scrollwork, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered flat locks decorated with foliate scrollwork, the left lock with a gundog pursuing a cock pheasant in a landscape, the right lock with three ducks on a lake, dolphin hammers engraved with foliate scrollwork en suite, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, highly figured lacquered half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end, blued steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising butt-plate with three snipe in a landscape on the border engraved heel tang, trigger-guard with three cock pheasants on the tang and two pointers in a landscape on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with pineapple-shaped finial decorated with scrollwork, border engraved vacant gold escutcheon and foliate scroll engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, foliate scroll engraved rear ramrod-pipe finial, brass-mounted ramrod, probably original, and most of its original finish: in later brass-mounted mahogany case fitted and lined in blue velvet with accessories including G. & J.W. Hawksley powder-flask with brass top and bag-shaped planished tin body, rare G. & J.W. Hawksley double shot-flask with white-metal nozzle and replacement brown leather bag-shaped body, Allport circular white-metal cap dispenser with suspension ring, reproduction nipple-primer, Sykes tubular adjustable brass measure for 'Drams of powder' and 'Ounces of shot', and a cardboard box of Eley Bros. Ld., London 'Chemically Prepared Elastic Gun Wadding', the exterior of the lid (area of scratching) with shaped brass plate incorporating a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 77.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 229. Recorded as sold on 16 April 1841. Unsworth notes 'Sold via an agent in Calcutta for a maharajah. Gold mounted. The stock and locks of No. 3520 are now fitted with the barrels of No. 3521. Gold escutcheons to the barrel-retaining wedge and a gold shield to the rear of the false-breech tang. Engraved with a dog pointing a pheasant on the left lock, birds on the right plate; two pointers on the guard-bow and duck on the butt-tang'. Built for The Maharajah Hindu Maa (sic), through the agent Messrs. Allan Paton & Co. of CalcuttaDallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 14-Bore D.B. Percussion Sporting Gun For Shot And BallBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3972 For 1845With heavy rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels (scattered surface pitting) signed in full along the rib, border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug engraved with a rosette, and with a foliate motif on the flat between, tang including sighting flat engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage, case-hardened signed border engraved serial numbered flat locks decorated with scrolling foliage, dolphin hammers en suite, highly figured half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate and trigger-guard, the latter retaining much original blueing on the inside of the bow, trigger-plate with slender finial and rear ramrod-pipe finial both engraved en suite, vacant silver escutcheon, engraved steel barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, later sling mounts, and brass-mounted ramrod, probably original, London proof marks and barrelsmith's mark of Thomas Evans 78.7 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceSold in these Rooms, Antique Arms, Armour & Modern Sporting Guns, 11 May 2016, lot 214LiteratureUnsworth, p. 234. Recorded as sold on 14 July 1845 for £52.15.0. Originally built as one of a pair, but apparently split before initial sale. The gun appears to have been later resold to a Mr. W.H. TownsendFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased 12-Bore Pin-Fire Bastin System D.B. Sporting GunBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6319 For 1862With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels retaining traces of maker's details along the rib, long slender tang decorated with symmetrical scrolling foliage, swept fences, sliding breech-action and Bastin Le Page type lever all decorated en suite, the action with chequered figured scales forming the fore-end, the lever with spring catch and sliding the barrels for loading and unloading, signed border engraved serial numbered back-action locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork and stamped with locksmith's initials 'IB' on the inside (for a member of the Brazier family of Wolverhampton), the mechanisms retaining their case-hardened and burnished finish, dolphin hammers decorated en suite (each nose repaired) and pierced for extracting cartridges, highly figured stock with chequered grip and butt, blued serial numbered trigger-guard decorated with foliate scrollwork within borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, vacant silver escutcheon, and some original finish: in contemporary relined and refitted oak case with accessories including James Dixon & Sons 12-bore case-sizer, capping/decapping tool and chamber-brush, and a J. Purdey & Sons 12-bore case-crimping tool, the inside of the lid with associated maker's trade label, the exterior (old splits) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 76 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 262. Recorded as sold on 12 September 1862 for £63.0.0. Built for a Colonel FinchDallas, p. 193For another example see The George Yanaghas Collection of Important Vintage Sporting Guns, Christie's London, 1 December 1998, lot 8For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .450 (45-Bore) Percussion Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 1146 For 1826With rebrowned octagonal sighted barrel (fore-sight hood replaced) signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed), rifled with twelve spiral grooves, and with central gold line on each of the leaf-sights, recessed patent breech (nipple replaced) with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a shell on the sighting flat, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammer en suite, engraved safety-catch, ebonised half-stock (old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate with foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, trigger-guard serial numbered on the spur and decorated with a martial trophy on the bow, trigger-plate engraved with a scallop shell on the pointed finial, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, sling mounts, and horn-tipped ramrod, probably original (some old wear and light pitting), London proof marks 70 cm. barrelFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 142. Recorded as 'a small rifle' and sold second hand to a Colonel Gatacre on 29 August 1827 for £31.0.0. Built for a Major RhodesDallas, p. 190For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased .400 (70-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 1353 For 1828With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel (fore-sight hood replaced) signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, and back-sight with single folding leaf, each with central platinum line, recessed patent breech with platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a scallop shell on the sighting flat, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrolls, dolphin hammer en suite and with engraved safety-catch behind, bird's eye maple half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts (some old wear) comprising butt-plate decorated with foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with foliate scrollwork on the bow, trigger-plate with a scallop shell on the pointed terminal (point repaired), border engraved vacant gold escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, set trigger, and original horn-tipped ramrod: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted powder-flask for rifles with bag-shaped planished tin body, brass powder-measure, mainspring clamp, bullet mould, patch-cutter, brass double bar cap dispenser stamped 'Lang Hay Market', and with split-ring for suspension, and japanned cap tin signed 'J. Langs Copper Caps, 7 Haymarket, London' in gilt script on the lid, the interior of the case lid with maker's trade label (minor damage), the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 64.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 144. Recorded as sold on 30 July 1828 for £23.0.0. Unsworth notes 'Recorded as a Small Rifle-Maple Stock; sold to Joseph Lang.'Dallas, p. 190Joseph Lang is recorded at 7 Haymarket, London, between 1825 and 1852. He had a shooting gallery adjoining this address from 1827For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine Cased .600 (20-Bore) Percussion Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 1952 For 1830With browned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, case-hardened tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a scallop shell on the sighting flat, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammer en suite and with engraved safety-catch behind, the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, ebonised bird's eye maple half-stock (minor areas of old wear and bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved blued steel mounts (minor loss of finish) comprising butt-plate decorated with foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a prone stag in a landscape on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate engraved with a scallop shell on the pointed finial, steel barrel-bolt escutcheons, foliate engraved sling button, blued adjustable set-trigger, original horn-tipped ramrod, and most of its original finish: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted powder-flask for rifles with bag-shaped planished tin body, steel bullet mould, sprue-cutter and patch-cutter, bright steel combination tool, in its leather wallet, and brass powder-measure, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior (some old scratching) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 67 cm. barrel Footnotes:ProvenanceW. Keith Neal Collection, C152L. Patrick Unsworth Collection. Offered with an undated typed letter signed by Mr. Unsworth describing the rifle and its acquisition from the W. Keith Neal Collection in 1999 LiteratureUnsworth, pp. 83, 87 and 146, pl. 48. Recorded as sold on 28 July 1830 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'Black lacquered stock. Cased with many accessories.' Built for a Mr. P.B. AinslieDallas, p. 191Offered with a handwritten scrap of card signed by W. Keith Neal and reading : 'This rifle was made for Mr. P.B. Ainslie in 1830 by Purdeys - Note from Purdey records'For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2239 For 1832With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved recessed patent breech retaining some case-hardening and with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, foliate scroll engraved tang with tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a prone stag in a landscape, the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, dolphin hammer with foliate scrolls en suite, engraved safety-catch, ebonised half-stock (minor old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a stag's head and foliate scrolls on the heel tang, blued serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a tiger in a landscape between borders of ropework on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a palmette on the pointed finial, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, sling button engraved as a flower-head, replacement wooden ramrod, and retaining some original finish, London proof mark and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 73.5 cm. barrelFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 148. Recorded as sold on 7 August 1832 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'The Customer, Lord Craven, also bought rifle No. 2361 [see lot 77]. No. 2239 was sold at auction in 1974 with the barrel to 2361, 36''.'Dallas, p. 191William Craven, 2nd Earl of Craven (1809-1866), styled Viscount Uffington until 1825, was educated at Christchurch, Oxford. In 1829 he was commissioned captain in the Berkshire Regiment of Militia. Lord Craven was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire and of Berkshire in 1831. In 1853 he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire and held the office until 1856 when he resigned due to ill-health The bottom of the butt punched 'HOWELL' twice and incised '1832 July 12', presumably the date the stock was completedFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2293 For 1832With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '70' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, foliate scroll engraved case-hardened tang with tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a prone stag in a landscape, the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, dolphin hammer with foliate scrolls en suite, engraved safety-catch, ebonised half-stock (some old wear and loss of finish, a series of punch marks behind the barrel tang) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a stag's head and foliate scrolls on the heel tang, blued serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a tiger in a landscape between borders of ropework on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a palmette on the pointed finial, case-hardened hinged circular patch-box cover engraved with a stag and prone hind in a landscape within a border of ropework, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, sling button engraved with foliage, horn-tipped ramrod serial numbered '2046' (for 1831), and retaining some original finish, London proof marks and barrelsmith's marks of Thomas Evans and James Purdey 74.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 148. Recorded as sold on 18 December 1832 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'Resold in 1833 [to Lord Molyneux] with shotgun No. 2249 - £56. Returned in May 1839 for attention of the hair trigger at 3s 6d.' Built for Lord Waterford Dallas, p. 191Henry de la Poer Beresford, 3rd Marquis of Waterford (1811-1859), styled Lord Henry Beresford before 1824 and Earl of Tyrone between 1824 and 1826, was an Irish peer. He is responsible for the expression to 'paint the town red'. In the early hours of 6 April 1837, the Marquess of Waterford and his fox-hunting friends arrived at the Thorpe End tollgate at Melton Mowbray. The party had been drinking heavily at Broxton races and the tollkeeper requested payment before opening the gate for them. Unfortunately for him, repairs were underway including pots of red paint lying within reach. The Marquess and his cronies attacked the tollkeeper, painting him and a constable red. They went on to nail up the tollhouse and painted that red too before rampaging through the town, vandalising the Post Office and the Leicestershire Banking Company before attempting to overturn a caravan in which a man was asleep. The following day there was uproar and once the Marquess of Waterford finally sobered up he paid for all the damage to people and property. The group were brought to trial before the Derby Assize Court in July 1838 where they were found not guilty of riot, but were fined £100 each for common assault, a considerable sum at that time. Waterford was frequently in the news in the late 1830s for drunken brawling, brutal jokes and vandalism, and was said to do anything for a bet; his irregular behaviour and his contempt for women earned him the moniker 'the Mad Marquess'.In 1842, Lord Waterford married Louisa Stuart, daughter of the 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay, and settled in Curraghmore House, Ireland, where he reportedly led an exemplary life until he died in a horse riding accident in 1859For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
![KELMSCOTT PRESS - JEWELLED BINDINGSHAKESPEARE (WILLIAM) The Poems, [LIMITED TO 500 COPIES], printed in red and black, wood-e](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/ccdb6d54-77ac-49b7-bb5d-af3c00ca756d/6029aabf-beb5-442f-ac45-af3c00d170df/468x382.jpg)
KELMSCOTT PRESS - JEWELLED BINDINGSHAKESPEARE (WILLIAM) The Poems, [LIMITED TO 500 COPIES], printed in red and black, wood-engraved borders and decorative initials designed by William Morris, IN A FINE SANGORSKI & SUTCLIFFE JEWELLED BINDING of full green morocco, the covers each with an outer border of inlaid maroon morocco gilt stamped with quotations from Shakespeare, inner gilt border embellished with 16 opals and 16 small panels of abalone, a further narrow inner border of green morocco, the upper cover enclosing a panel of plant sprays with leaves and cones on a pointillé ground with central sunken panel of gold ground with the scene of a small bird surrounded by foliage in green, brown and ochre morocco inlays, embellished with 8 amethysts, 4 citrines and 21 very small black hardstones; lower cover enclosing a panel of trailing sprays of flowers and leaves in gilt, red and green morocco inlays, and harp devices on a pointillé ground, enclosing sunken circular panel showing a large image of a harp in gilt and inlaid mother-of-pearl surrounded with a wreath of green morocco inlays, 28 small black hardstones, 4 moonstones and inlaid banner of red morocco with gilt caption 'And stretched metre of an antique song' [from Shakespeare's Sonnets], g.e., brown morocco doublures, the free endpapers each stamped with a sonnet ('Let me not to the marriage of true mindes....' and 'The forward violet thus did I chide...'), the inner covers with green and red morocco border (stamped in gilt with lines from Shakespeare) enclosing a panel of brown morocco, the front panel with all-over design incorporating scythes, bow and arrows, an eternal flame, sprays of flowers and leaves, love knots and ribbons, etc. with a central heart in abalone inlay, the rear inner panel with simpler all-over design of scattered flowers and sprays in gilt and morocco inlays, centred on a large central stylized bouquet, spine heavily gilt in six compartments within raised bands, housed in original velveteen-lined green morocco box by Sangorski & Sutcliffe (spine faded, slightly rubbed, 2 joins split), g.e. [Peterson A11], 8vo, Kelmscott Press, [1893]Footnotes:A STUNNING SANGORSKI & SUTCLIFFE BINDING SET WITH 40 JEWELS, including 8 agates, 16 garnets and 16 small blue stones.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: •• Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A BRONZE FIGURE OF KRISHNA, TAMIL NADU, SOUTH INDIA, 15TH/16TH CENTURY, standing in tribhanga on a raised lotus base, his left arm raised, wearing elaborate belt with lion head clasp, earrings and tall headdress, 19.5cm high This form of Krishna, depicted with his arms raised, is often confused with Rama, whose pose when holding bow and arrow is similar. In this case, however, there is no quiver of arrows over his shoulder, and the god is resting his left arm on the shoulders of his favourite consort Satyabhama. For a Chola bronze of the same iconography in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, see Pal 1988, p.278 Provenance: Collection of the late Peter Millett (1925-2016)
A GREY STONE IMAGE OF VIRABHADRA, DECCAN, INDIA, CIRCA 15TH CENTURY, the four-armed deity holding sword and shield in his primary hands and bow and arrow in his upper hands, a small figure of the goat-headed Daksha at his feet, 21.2cm high Provenance: Collection of the late Peter Millett (1925-2016)
A LARGE VIRABHADRA PLAQUE, WESTERN DECCAN, INDIA, 18TH CENTURY, of waisted rectangular form, the form armed form of Siva holding sword, shield, bow and arrow, Nandi and sun and moon emblems above, sheltering under a five-headed cobra, wearing sandals, flanked by Daksha and Sati, a handle at the back, 28 x 20cm For a similar plaque in the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, see Pal 2003, p.303. Daksha offended Siva by not inviting him to attend a sacrifice following an earlier occasion when Siva had slighted him. Sati, who was Daksha's daughter, as well as being Siva's wife, was present and felt so insulted that she threw herself on the pyre. Then Siva appeared as Virabhadra and cut off Daksha's head to avenge his wife. Other gods pleaded for Daksha's life, but although Siva decided to spare him, his severed head could not be found, so the head of a goat was substituted instead. Daksha is depicted with hands in namaskara mudra, humbly paying respects, while at the bottom, he appears prior to the replacement head Provenance: Collection of the late Peter Millett (1925-2016)
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Serving Sister’s shoulder badge, 1st type (1892-1939), circular badge with white enamel cross with heraldic beasts in angles raised above the background, on lady’s bow riband; together with an Order of the League of Mercy, lady’s shoulder badge, silver-gilt and enamel, lacking bow riband; and an Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Miss Alice Patricia Loe) in Royal Mint case of issue, generally good very fine (3) £70-£90
A ‘Q-Ship’ group of four awarded to Stoker Petty Officer W. J. Birch, Royal Navy, who was serving in H.M.S. Farnborough, ‘Q5’, when she sank the German submarine U-83 on 17 February 1917, an action for which her captain, Gordon Campbell, was awarded the Victoria Cross 1914-15 Star (135711, W. J. Birch, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (135711 W. J. Birch S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (135711. W. J. Birch, Sto. H.M.S. Colleen.) official correction to ‘M’ on LSGC, very fine (4) £500-£700 --- William James Birch was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 5 November 1865 and attested for the Royal Navy on 1 December 1885. Advanced Stoker Petty Officer on 1 July 1906, he was shore pensioned on 10 September 1908 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. Recalled for service during the Great War, he was borne on the books of the Irish depot ship H.M.S. Colleen when he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 26 October 1916, having joined H.M.S. Farnborough, the converted Q-Ship ‘Q5’, on 9 November 1915, under her Captain Gordon Campbell. He was present in Q5 on 17 February 1917 when off the west coast of Ireland at 9:45 a.m., Campbell, following proscribed Q-ship tactics, turned into the track of an enemy torpedo so as to allow it to hit Q5 aft by the engine-room bulkhead. The ‘panic party’ made a convincing departure in boats as the ship began to settle by the stern. Campbell and the guns’ crews, meanwhile, lay prone in their hiding places on the upper deck as the barely submerged U-boat, U-83 commanded by Hoppe, closed to within twenty yards. At 10:05 the submarine broke surface 300 yards off the port bow, but in a position where none of Q5’s guns could bear. Gradually, however, the submarine passed down the port side with the intention of securing the ship’s papers from the ‘crew’ in the boats. As U-83 motored abeam of Q5, Campbell could see that she was fully surfaced, with the conning tower open and Hoppe on the bridge. At 10:10 he gave the order to open fire. The guns’ crews got off forty five rounds at point blank range, nearly all of which hit. U-83 sank with the loss of all hands save for one officer and a seaman. Q5 in sinking condition was taken in tow by the destroyer H.M.S. Narwhal and the sloop H.M.S. Buttercup and eventually beached. Birch was one of the few crew members to leave Q5 on 24 February 1917, when he did not elect to follow Gordon Campbell to his next command, another Q-Ship, H.M.S. Pargust, which later sank UC-29, leading to the award of two Victoria Crosses under Rule Thirteen, with Lieutenant Stuart being selected by ballot as the representative officer and Seaman William Williams as the representative rating. Serving ashore for the rest of war, he was invalided from the service on 20 November 1918. Sold with copied service records, medal roll extracts and research.
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, gold and enamel; George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, on lady’s bow riband; British War Medal 1914-20 (2); Victory Medal 1914-19 (2); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; together with a card display of eight Polish awards; a Russian Order of St. Anne, with swords, in base metal ands enamel; a reduced-sized miniature Belgian Order of Leopold; a reduced-sized miniature French Legion of Honour, this lacking obverse central medallion; and a French Croix de Guerre, the reverse dated 1914-19156, with bronze palm on riband, generally very fine and better (22) £60-£80
A Louis XV style gilt-metal and green alabaster strut clock, of circular form with bow finial, the 2in (51mm) enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and floral swags, 17cm high, 14cm dia.Good overall with only minor signs of age. Movement winds and runs - not tested for timekeeping or guaranteed.
An early Victorian mahogany bow-front chest of drawers, the plain top above two short and two long cock-beaded drawers, having turned wood handles, raised on splayed supports, 87cm wide x 48.5cm deep x 87cm high.Overall - good colour and figuring and in good condition. Some minor sensitive and unobtrusive restoration, including:- 3.5 x 2cm patch front left corner of top, 10 x 1cm (tapering to 0.25cm) on right front stile next to middle drawer and two patches on the left stile at the base, 5cm and 6cm (each tapering from 1cm to a point) and two on the front right bracket foot (3 x 3cm and 4 x 0.5cm). 3cm triangle on back left of top and 4cm back right re-stuck.Minor damage including 4cm crack on the front right of the top and 1.5 x 0.5cm section of veneer lacking on left side edge of top. Minor chips dents and scratches, including sides (a dull colour), back edge of top and edges of stiles and rails.
A fine boxwood love token or marriage gift,late 17th/early 18th century, Northern French, the lid carved with an allegory of Cupid holding his bow leading a dog on a chain, an inscription to the edge 'Sans Celle Cy: Les Tois Libré', surrounded by flowering forget-me-nots emanating from hearts, in the manner of César de Bagard of Nancy, a label inside reading 'Liebesgabe 17. JH',8cm longCondition ReportNo obvious major faults.
A Scottish hunting hanger,c.1700, the stag's horn hilt with a silver openwork knuckle-bow, the pommel with an embossed cherub's head amongst engraved foliage, engraving to the steel, single-edged, curved blade, the knuckle-bow marked for 'Thomas Vicaridge',69cm long, together with a modern stand (2)Provenance: By repute from the deceased estate of Richard Talbot (1630-1700), First Earl of Tyrconnell, Irish politician and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland;private Northern Irish collection.Condition ReportEngraving to blade rubbed. Hallmarks indistinct.
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