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A Percussion D.B. Cape RifleBy John Hayton, Grahams Town, No. 4078, Mid-19th CenturyWith rebrowned twist barrels with four reblued folding leaf-sights each with central platinum line, broad twist rib signed in full, serial numbered at the breeches and calibrated in inches from '1' to '20' forward of the leaf-sights, the right barrel smooth and of 15-bore, the left barrel rifled for a belted ball and of 39-bore, breeches each engraved with a flower-head on the side and with a prone tiger in a landscape on the flat between, long foliate scroll engraved tang, signed border engraved detented flat locks decorated with scrolling foliage and a gundog in a landscape within an oval on the left lock, and with a prone stag in a landscape on the other, foliate scroll engraved dolphin hammers (one nose chipped), figured half-stock serial numbered beneath the barrels, rechequered grip and fore-end, foliate scroll engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate and trigger-guard, the latter with two gundogs in a landscape on the bow, trigger-plate and rear ramrod-pipe finials each engraved with a design of looped scrollwork, hinged circular border engraved patch-box cover decorated with a running antelope in a landscape, vacant shield-shaped white-metal escutcheon, and later brass-mounted ramrod, London proof marks 75 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceSold in these Rooms, Antique Arms and Armour, 23 April 2008, lot 358 For more information on John Hayton, famous as the designer of the Hayton or 'Cape' rifle, see Barry M. Berkovitch, The Cape Gunsmith, 1976, pp. 74-82For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .500 (40-Bore) Percussion D.B. Two-Groove Cape Rifle By John Hayton, Grahams Town, No. 3041, Mid-19th CenturyWith rebrowned damascus twist barrels each rifled for a belted ball and with four folding leaf-sights each with central platinum line, broad twist rib signed in full and serial numbered in gothic script within a decorative border along the top flat and calibrated in inches from '1' to '20' forward of the leaf sights, breeches (nipples replaced) each with platinum plug and engraved with foliate scrolls on the flat between, long foliate scroll engraved tang, signed border engraved detented flat locks decorated with foliate scrollwork (hammers replaced), figured half-stock with chequered grip (broken through and repaired) and serial numbered fore-end, foliate scroll engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate, trigger-guard and trigger-plate finial, hinged circular border engraved patch-box cover decorated with an elephant in a landscape, vacant shield-shaped silver escutcheon, sling mounts, and brass-mounted ramrod (old wear and pitting): in later brass-mounted lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including powder-flask, reproduction brass bullet mould, T-shaped nipple-key with threaded pricker, and case-hardened mainspring-clamp, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant brass escutcheon (replaced) centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks 74.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:See footnote to preceding lotFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .400 (60-Bore) Percussion D.B. Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 4247 For 1847With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, recessed at the muzzle and each rifled with ten spiral grooves, folding leaf back-sights from '50' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and platinum plug engraved with a rosette, the flat between engraved with symmetrical foliate scrollwork, tang engraved with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammers en suite and each with safety-catch in front, figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising chequered butt-plate engraved 'CHARGE' over '2 dms No. 6 Powder' on the heel and with foliate scrollwork along the tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated en suite within a border of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with slender foliate scroll engraved finial, hinged circular patch-box cover decorated with a circular design of featherwork centred on a flower-head, grooved triggers (rear one an old replacement), and original brass-mounted ramrod: in relined and refitted brass-mounted oak case (mounts polished bright) with some accessories including Hawksley white-metal mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped body covered in black leather, polished brass bullet mould, and Ken Steggles brass bar-capper, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, the front now with brass drop handle, London proof marks and barrelsmith's mark of Thomas Evans 75 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureL. Patrick Unsworth, The Early Purdeys, 1996, p. 160. Recorded as sold on 27 September 1847. Unsworth notes 'New pair of 70 bore barrels fitted Sept. 1871, regulated with increased charge of powder and hollow ball - £35.0.0. Hardened work cleaned, softened, engraving re-touched and re-hardened; furniture blued, stock remade off and rechequered and done up as new - £3.10.0d. Pr. of Hammers - £3.10.0.' The rifle was offered at auction in 1981 and said to be 'smooth-bored and re-stocked in India'. It was re-offered in 1983 and then described as a rifle.'For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

BAKER (SIR SAMUEL W.)Ismailia..., expertly rebound in green half-calf with gilt title, t.e.g., 2 vols., London, 1874; The Nile Tributaries Of Abyssinia..., original mottled blue cloth-covered boards (hinges weak, some wear), London, 1867; The Rifle And The Hound In Ceylon, rebound calf with gilt spine label, London, 1854; Eight Years' Wanderings In Ceylon, original burgundy gilt blind-stamped boards (minor damage and old staining), London, 1855; The Albert N'Yanza, Great Basin Of The Nile And Explorations Of The Nile Sources, original green cloth boards and spine with gilt illustrations, bookplates of E.C. Tabler (end papers replaced, some scuffing), 2 vols., London, 1866; Wild Beasts And Their Ways..., original burgundy cloth-covered boards with gilt illustration and spine title (slight wear), 2 vols., London, 1890; Cyprus As I Saw It In 1879, original green cloth-covered boards, gilt cover illustration and spine title (some wear and re-cased), London, 1879; True Tales For My Grandsons, original pictorial red cloth-covered boards, gilt titles, London, 1883 - MURRAY (T. DOUGLAS) AND WHITE (A. SILVA): Sir Samuel Baker A Memoir, original pictorial and gilt cloth-covered boards, London, 1895 - and six other related publications (a lot )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

EARLY SHOOTINGVINCENT (REV. JOHN): Fowling, A Poem..., original vellum and marble-covered boards (scuffed), London, 1801 - ACTON (JOHN): An Essay On Shooting..., half-calf with marbled boards, Dublin, 1789 - WATT (W.): Remarks On Shooting..., original blind-stamped cloth with gilt title, Manchester, 1835 - HANGER (COL. GEORGE): The Life, Adventures And Opinions Of..., full calf (damaged), 2 vols. of 3 bound in one, London, 1801; Colonel George Hanger, To All Sportsmen..., rebound half red morocco with gilt title, London, 1814; 1971 reprint - JOHNSON (T.B.): A Shooter's Companion..., reblocked with original pictorial boards, London, 1823; The Sportsman's Cabinet, And Town And Country Magazine..., original green cloth-covered boards (worn, spine damaged), Vol. I, London, 1833 - OAKLEIGH (TOM): The Oakleigh Shooting Code, original blind-stamped cloth-covered boards, London, 1838 - PYE (JAMES HENRY): The Sportsman's Dictionary..., rebound half-calf marble boards, fifth edition, London, 1807 - 'MARKSMAN': The Dead Shot..., original cloth-covered boards with gilt title (spine replaced), London, 1861 - CRAVEN: Recreations In Shooting..., original blind-stamped pictorial gilt green cloth-covered boards and spine (worn), London, 1846 - KNOX (A.E.): Game Birds And Wild Fowl..., original pictorial gilt green cloth-covered boards (rebacked with new end papers), London, 1850 - DOUGALL (J.D.): Shooting Simplified, original pictorial gilt green cloth-covered boards, London, 1865; Shooting..., original pictorial gilt brown cloth-covered boards, London, 1875 - ST. JOHN (CHARLES): Short Sketches..., original gilt-stamped green cloth-covered boards, London, 1893 - 'THORMANBY': Kings Of The Rod, Rifle And Gun, original gilt red cloth-covered boards, 2 vols., London, 1901 - and fifteen related publications comprising; WINANS (WALTER): The Art of Revolver Shooting, original gilt cloth-covered boards (spine split and worn), New York, 1901; Hints On Revolver Shooting, original gilt cloth-covered boards, New York, 1904; The Modern Pistol and How To Shoot It, original gilt cloth-covered boards (worn), New York, 1919 - POLLARD (H.B.C.): Automatic Pistols, original green cloth-covered boards with gilt titles, London, 1920 - HATCHER (J.S.): Text Book Of Pistols And Revolvers, original blue blind-stamped cloth-covered boards with gilt title, 1935 - and three other publications relating to the subject (a lot )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 Turkish 28-Bore Miquelet-Lock Short Rifle (Shishana)Late 18th CenturyWith octagonal sighted barrel of finely twist damascus pattern (old surface rust) rifled with seven spiral grooves, gold-damascened with foliage and scrollwork at the muzzle and breech and each decoratively chiselled in bas-relief beyond, arched gold-damascened back-sight and tang, the former pierced with two apertures, characteristic lock damascened en suite, figured Circassian walnut full stock profusely inlaid with brass nails and small roundels of brass and dark horn, the area around the tang and mid-section of the tapering faceted butt with alternate panels of plain and green-stained horn inlaid en suite (butt terminal missing), five shaped silver barrel bands embossed in imitation of wire bindings, button trigger, green-stained fore-end cap inlaid with roundels, and original steel ramrod (ramrod-pipe missing) 76.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:Cf. related examples sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms, Armour & Modern Sporting Guns, 24 November 2021, lot 26, and 25 November 2015, lot 55For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Liège .850 (8-Bore) Percussion 1831 Model Breech-Loading Wall Or Rampart RifleBy P.J. Malherbe A Liège, No. 442, Dated 1837With heavy tapering sighted barrel rifled with eight spiral grooves, replacement folding long range back-sight, hinged breech-block (hooked lifting-lever replaced), pivoting locking-lever numbered '466', long tang, dated back-action lock stamped 'P.J. Malherbe A Liège', figured butt with cheek-piece, brass mounts each struck with inspector's initial 'B', and folding peg mount (steel parts with old light pitting) 127 cm. barrel Footnotes:For a very similar example in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (inv. no. XII-575), see Howard L. Blackmore, Guns and Rifles of the World, 1965, p. 64, fig. 432For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A .577/.450 Martini Henry Mark II 1. Service Rifle Late 19th CenturyWith reblued sighted barrel retained by two barrel bands, the forward one with a bayonet-lug on the right, calibrated folding adjustable back-sight, reblued action retaining faint traces of markings, long lever stamped with War Department inspector's marks, figured butt and fore-stock (minor bruising), the former stamped on one side with circular arsenal mark, 'R.P' over '3' and '1908', and other numbers, regulation steel mounts including trigger-guard incised with Indian characters, sling loops, and original steel ramrod, Ordnance proof marks 84.5 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A .577 Snider Three-Band Service Rifle Musket By The London Armoury Company, Dated 1863With sighted barrel retained by three Baddeley patent barrel bands and with calibrated folding adjustable back-sight, pivoting breech-block stamped 'Snider Patent' and 'T. Bissell', dated flat lock stamped 'L.A. Co.' and with 'V.R' crowned on the tail, figured three-quarter stock with chequered grip and fore-end, the right side of the butt stamped with circular London Armoury mark dated '1869', regulation brass mounts, sling loops, original steel ramrod, and socket bayonet with blade of hollow triangular section, in its brown leather scabbard with brass locket and chape, the former with frog-hook, London proof marks (2)93 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Turkish 25-Bore Miquelet-Lock Short Rifle (Shishana) Late 18th CenturyWith slightly swamped octagonal sighted barrel of finely twist damascus pattern rifled with nine spiral grooves and gold-damascened with engraved flowering foliage (some wear) at the muzzle and breech, arched single aperture back-sight en suite, plain tang, characteristic lock decorated en suite with the barrel, Circassian walnut full stock (minor old splits), the butt inlaid with pinned silver panels pierced with foliage, the area around the tang set with silver engraved with foliage, segmented tapering faceted butt (minor damage, terminal missing) inlaid with small brass nails and roundels of brass and dark horn, the mid-section with two bands of plain and green-stained horn either side of a decorative band of plain and dark horn, four shaped silver barrel-bands (one missing) each embossed with foliage, button trigger, green-stained fore-end cap, and later steel ramrod 83 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A .577 Snider Three-Band Service Rifle Musket For Canada Dated 1864Of regulation pattern, with clean bright bore, case-hardened lock dated above 'Enfield' and with 'V.R.' crowned on the tail, the butt stamped with circular Enfield arsenal mark on one side and 'DC' in a diamond for Dominion of Canada on the other, regulation brass mounts including butt-plate engraved '17' over '222' on the tang, original steel ramrod numbered to match, and socket bayonet with bright blade of hollowed triangular section, and blued socket, in its brass-mounted black leather scabbard, and in fine condition, Ordnance proof marks (2)93 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A French LeFaucheaux Patent 54-Bore Pin-Fire Double-Action Six-Shot Revolver Given By Lord Roberts To The Portrait Painter W.W. Ouless In 1882By E. Lefaucheux Inventr. A Paris, No. 2722, Circa 1855With sighted barrel rifled with four grooves and etched with maker's details in gothic script within a border of scrollwork along the top and with fruiting vines around the muzzle and in front of the breech, part octagonal breech, cylinder stamped '19E', frame (cartridge-extracting rod missing) stamped with maker's mark on the right (Neue Støckel 7770), hinged loading-gate with spring-catch, hammer, spur trigger-guard and faceted butt-cap all decorated en suite, figured rounded butt, and suspension swivel: in its original blackened leather holster (some loss of finish) (2)16 cm. barrel Footnotes:ProvenanceWalter William Ouless RA (1848-1933) and thence by descent An old handwritten label attached to the revolver reads: 'Lord Roberts' Revolver given by him to W.W. Ouless. It appears in the portrait painted by him' Frederick Sleigh Robers, 1st Earl Roberts, UC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, UD, PC, FRSGS (1832-1914) was arguably the most famous and successful British Military Commander of his time. Born in India to an Anglo-Irish family he was educated at Eton and Sandhurst before joining the East India Company. As a young officer he served in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 where he was slightly wounded during the siege and capture of Delhi. He was present at the relief of Lucknow where he served as Deputy Assistant Quarter-Master General attached to the staff of Sir Colin Campbell. In 1858 he was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions at Khudogani. He was transferred to the British Army and fought in the Expedition to Abyssinia and the Second Anglo-Afghan War, in which his exploits earned him widespread fame. He went on to serve as Commander-in-Chief, India before leading British Forces for a year during the Second Boer War. He was the last Commander-in-Chief of the Forces before the post was abolished in 1904. Following his return from the Boer War, Roberts was instrumental in promoting the mass training of civilians in rifle shooting skills through membership of shooting clubs, and to this day a facsimile of his signature appears on all official targets of the National Smallbore Rifle Association. The Lord Roberts Centre, headquarters of the National Rifle Association at Bisley, is named in his honourFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

HENRY WILLIAMS. 'The Wet Flanders Plain,' First limited edition, 314/400, cloth backed abstract boards showing a sickle, rifle, plough and a sabre, engraved titlepage, Beaumont Press, 1929.

A collection of vintage badges, a medallion and a tie pin. To include a 1907 Rifle Association medal and a silver tie pin with 9ct gold overlay with engine turned decoration.

A Palitoy Action Man Grenadier Guards Accessory Set No 34302, contents of jacket, trousers, bearskin boots rifle bayonet and case, sealed on card.

A .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleThe Barrel And Lock By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2361 For 1832With browned twist octagonal barrel (some areas of old scattered pitting) signed in full along the top flat, rifled with ten spiral grooves, leaf-sighted from '100' to '300' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, and with a mount for a long range sight (missing) in front, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech with platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, reworked bright tang, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with a prone stag in a landscape and with foliate scrollwork on the tail, dolphin hammer en suite, engraved safety-catch, modern figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, associated border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a gundog pursuing a cock pheasant in a landscape, trigger-guard and trigger-plate (pitted) retaining traces of engraved decoration, the former serial numbered '6315' on the chequered spur, the latter with pineapple-shaped finial, adjustable set trigger, and reproduction wooden ramrod, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 99.9 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, pp. 149 and 262. Recorded as sold on 7 August 1832 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'See the entry against No. 2239. The barrel for No. 2361 was sold at auction with the rifle No. 2239 in 1974.' No. 6315 is recorded as one of a pair of 12-bore d.b. percussion guns built for the famous Lord Walter Scott on 14 August 1862Dallas, pp. 191 and 193For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A 20-Bore (.600) Percussion Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2109 For 1833With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat (engraving expertly refreshed), rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened breech with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved recase-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a prone stag in a landscape (engraving refreshed), the mechanism retaining its burnished finish, dolphin hammer with foliate scrolls en suite, ebonised half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, reblued steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with foliate engraving on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and re-engraved running stag in a landscape between borders of ropework on the bow, trigger-plate with a scallop shell on the pointed finial, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, engraved sling button, and original horn-tipped ramrod, London proof marks 72.5 cm. barrelFootnotes:ProvenanceThe Gewehrkammer of the Kings of Hanover, Blankenburg until moved to Schloss Marienburg in 1945LiteratureUnsworth, p. 147. Recorded as sold on 18 May 1833 for £39.18.0. Built for the Duke of Brunswick (1806-1884). See footnote to lot 46Dallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Rare .577 (24-Bore) Percussion Sporting Rifle With Back-Action LockBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2402 For 1833With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel (pitted along the bottom flats of the breech) signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed), rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '50' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, recessed patent breech (nipple replaced) with two platinum lines and replacement plug, long tapering tang engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved rounded detented lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and a prone stag in a landscape, foliate scroll engraved dolphin hammer with safety-catch behind, replacement ebonised half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate engraved with a stag's head and foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, trigger-guard decorated with a tiger in a landscape within ropework borders on the bow, trigger-plate serial numbered on the tang and with pointed finial engraved with a scallop shell, adjustable set trigger, and horn-tipped ramrod (refurbished overall, some wear and pitting, engraving refreshed), indistinct London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 70 cm. barrelFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 149. Recorded as sold on 9 May 1833 for £39.18.0. Unsworth notes 'Described as having 'back-action locks', whereas almost all Purdey's rifles had bar action/front-action locks.' Built for the Hon. W.F.B. CallaghanDallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2489 For 1833With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, each rifled with ten spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '70' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and pierced platinum plug, and engraved with a symmetrical foliate motif on the flat between, tang engraved with symmetrical foliate scrollwork and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed engraved serial numbered detented flat locks each retaining traces of case-hardening and decorated with foliate scrollwork and a stag in a landscape, dolphin hammers with foliate scrollwork en suite and engraved safety-catch, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate very unusually dated '1833' and decorated with a stag's head and scrolling foliage on the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated on the bow with a running stag in a landscape between borders of ropework, trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a flower-head on the pointed finial, and hinged circular patch-box cover decorated with a landscape scene depicting Lord Ossulston shooting a Chillingham bull from horseback, all within a border of ropework, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, chequered forward trigger, sling button engraved with foliage, and original brass-mounted ramrod: in its fitted and partly relined mahogany case (compartment box and lid replaced) with accessories including G. & J.W. Hawksley brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body, and retaining most of its lacquered finish, steel bullet mould and sprue-cutter, and bullet-starter with leather-faced mallet-head (chipped), the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior (some old scratching) with circular vacant escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks and Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 75 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 149. Recorded as sold on 27 July 1833 for £73.10.0. Unsworth notes 'The first rifle to have Purdey's upright style of hammers'. Built for Lord Ossulston (see footnote to lot 93)Dallas, p. 191The scene on the patch-box cover is immortalised in the portrait entitled 'Scene in Chillingham Park: Portrait of Lord Ossulston' or 'Death of the Wild Bull', by Sir Edwin Landseer and probably commissioned by Charles Augustus, 5th Earl of Tankerville. The portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1836, and was last sold at Christie's in 2003 for £1,272,000 including premiumLord Ossulston appears to have met Landseer for the first time at Glenfeshie, in the Scottish Highlands, where Landseer was staying with his close friends the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. In his essay, The Chillingham Wild Cattle, Reminiscences Of Life In The Highlands, published in 1891, Lord Ossulston described the amusing circumstances of his first encounter with the artist. Lord Ossulston, who had just arrived from staying with the Duke of Atholl at Blair Atholl to stay with his friend Horatio Ross, on the other side of Glenfeshie, had set out in the morning to go stalking in the company of the forester Charlie Mackintosh. They had just spotted a large herd of hinds and a big stag grazing near a burn beneath them when they heard the crack of a rifle shot which scared away the herd and felled the stag. Thinking this was likely to be the work of a poacher they set off to see who was responsible: 'Upon this we dived into a hollow close to our right that took us down to the burn and crawling under its banks we soon ensconced ourselves behind the heathery knoll within a few yards of our poacher, to watch his proceedings before we finally pounced upon him. He was a little, strongly built man, very like a pocket Hercules or Puck in the ''Midsummer Night's Dream''. He was busily employed in gralloching his deer. This he did with great quickness and dexterity... He next let the head hang over, so as to display the horns, and then squatting down on the stone opposite, took out of his pocket what I thought would be his pipe or whisky flask; but it is a sketch book! Seeing that we had mistaken our man, I came out into the open, and then found myself face to face with my friend of many years to come - Landseer.'According to Ossulston's account, a few days after having met Landseer, and having spent much time together in the company of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and their house party, he left Glenfeshie together with him to go to Chillingham. At Chillingham he recalled that Landseer 'at once devoted himself to the wild cattle as keenly as he had done to his beloved deer observing them with his glass for days from some hiding place, and noting minutely their ways and characteristics'.Lord Ossulston evidently soon decided that Landseer should have the opportunity to take a closer look at the cattle and a decision was taken to shoot one of the bulls to make this possible. As it was considered 'ignoble' to kill such a bull by a 'pot shot' a more sporting plan was hatched to chase a bull out of the herd on horseback and thereby to bring him to bay. This, however, could not be done in the upper park at Chillingham, where the woods, bogs, and ravines provided unsuitable ground for horses, so it was decided to first separate the selected bull from the herd in the lower park, which provided open space much more suitable for horses. The lower park and the upper park were separated from each other by a fence and advantage was taken of the fact that at night the gates between them were left open and the herd allowed to graze freely in the lower park. A keeper was placed in ambush beside a gate, which was to be shut on one of the bulls after the main herd had returned to the upper park in the early morning. Unfortunately the plan went badly wrong and the bull charged and tossed one of Lord Tankerville's keepers breaking four of his ribs and piercing his chest with its horn. The keeper was only saved by the prompt action of Ossulstons's deerhound, Bran which held the bull off the keeper's body. Ossulston recorded that the keeper called Barnes, survived his wounds and lived to be eighty, but that the bull was forthwith shot and together with Bran and the other personages concerned, was the subject of Landseer's picture of the ''Dead Bull''.Landseer's monumental composition is dominated by the handsome and aristocratic figure of the young Lord Ossulston, standing beside his pony Hotspur, with a rifle in his left hand, his right foot resting on the majestic Chillingham bull lying at his feet. Ossulston looks towards his deerhound, Bran, who has proved the hero of the occasion. Lord Ossulston's head keeper Coles, kneels beside the dead bull, to the left of the composition, with his arm around his master's deerhound, looking at the lifeless bull. A bloodhound beyond the head keeper imitates his master by putting his paw on the dead bull, while the right hand side of the composition is closed off by another bloodhound with a weary gaze.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Fine .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2619 For 1834With browned twist sighted barrels (some loss of finish) signed in full along the rib, each rifled with ten spiral grooves and leaf-sighted from '50' 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 foliate scroll engraved tang inhabited by a stag in landscape and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat locks (one with minor areas of pitting) each decorated with scrolling foliage and a prone stag in a landscape, dolphin hammers with foliate scrollwork en suite and each with blued safety-catch in front, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, figured half-stock (some old bruising) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate (loss of finish) decorated with foliate scrollwork and with a tiger in a landscape on the heel tang, blued serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated on the bow with a running stag in a landscape between borders of ropework, case-hardened trigger-plate with a scallop shell above a flower-head on the pointed finial, and hinged circular patch-box cover decorated with two hounds pursuing a boar in a landscape within a border of ropework, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons (head of bolt chipped), grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a flower-head, original brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining much original finish, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 75 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceJ. Roberts & SonL. Patrick Unsworth Collection. Offered with a typed label describing the rifle and signed in ink by Mr. UnsworthLiteratureRichard Akehurst, Game Guns & Rifles..., 1969, pp. 12-13, pl. 13Unsworth, pp. 83, 92, and 150, pls. 59-63. Recorded as sold on 23 June 1834 for £60.0.0. Unsworth notes 'Sold uncased and without extras'. Built for a Captain John Dixon. This appears to be John Dixon (1799-1873) of Astle Hall, Cheshire. He was Captain and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st Royals, and was appointed High Sheriff of Cheshire in 1843Dallas, p. 191For another rifle (no. 2593 for 1834) with the same patch-box scene see Donald Dallas, James Purdey & Sons, Gun And Rifle Makers..., 2013, p.58 (illustrated)For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Percussion Rifle Of Small BoreBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3214 For 1838With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel (some old pitting) signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed) and rifled with eight spiral grooves, back-sight with small folding leaf and both with central platinum line, breech (nipple replaced) with platinum line and pierced platinum plug, tang engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammer en suite, engraved safety-catch, bird's eye maple half-stock (broken through and repaired at the grip) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising butt-plate and serial numbered trigger-guard, the latter with chequered spur, trigger-plate with engraved pointed finial, border engraved vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, and later steel ramrod (ramrod-pipes expertly replaced, some wear and rust patination), London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 64.7 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 154. Recorded as sold on 6 November 1838 for £36.15.0. Unsworth notes 'Recorded as a 'Pea Rifle'. Built for Captain George TomlineDallas, p. 191Captain George Tomline (1813-1889), referred to as Colonel Tomline, served as a conservative Member of Parliament for various constituencies. He was High Sheriff of Lincolnshire for 1852For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A .900 (6-Bore) Percussion Big Game Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 2991 For 1837With shortened rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed) and rifled with fourteen spiral grooves, border engraved recessed patent breech with platinum line and plug, tang engraved with symmetrical foliage and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, replacement ebonised half-stock with chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn tip, re-engraved signed serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliage, dolphin hammer en suite and with engraved safety-catch behind, steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with scrolling foliage (worn), re-engraved serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a tiger on the border engraved bow, replacement hinged circular patch-box cover re-engraved with a prone tiger in a landscape within a border of repeated flowering foliage, and on the inside with 'Powder 2½ drms.,' trigger-plate with repaired and re-engraved pointed finial, replacement button-shaped sling mount, adjustable set trigger, replacement wooden ramrod, and later black leather sling (refurbished throughout), London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 64.8 cm. barrelFootnotes:ProvenanceSold in these Rooms with a rhinoceros horn stock, Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria, 20 July 1999, lot 312 LiteratureUnsworth, p. 152. Recorded as sold on 13 July 1837 for £42.0.0. Unsworth notes 'Supplied with a Wainscot case (imported oak).' Built for Lord Waterford (see lot 76) and later resold to a Mr. H. MethuenDallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .650 (16-Bore) Percussion D.B. Sporting Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3170 For 1838With browned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib and each rifled with ten spiral grooves, blued back-sight to '80' yards and 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 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 stag in a landscape and foliage along the heel tang, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated with a running stag in a landscape between borders of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, case-hardened trigger-plate with scrollwork on the pointed finial, 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, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, grooved forward trigger, sling button engraved with a circular feathered design, original serial numbered brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining most of its original finish: in contemporary relined and refitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped planished tin body (old surface rust), steel bullet-mould and sprue-cutter, and steel combination tool, in its leather wallet, the interior of the lid with reproduction maker's trade label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting brass carrying handle engraved 'John B. Ross', London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 72.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceThe Thomas R. Prudenete Collection, Christie's South Kensington, Fine Antique Arms, Armour And Sporting Guns..., 17 December 2015, lot 94LiteratureUnsworth, p. 153. Built for a Captain des Voeux and completed on 3 August 1838 at a cost of £84.0.0.Dallas, p. 191For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

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

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 .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Big Game Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3690 For 1842With heavy rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat and rifled with ten spiral grooves, the flat along the bottom re-engraved 'CHARGE {3½ DMS. COARSE POWDER CALLED No. 6' 'OR {2¾ DMS. FINE POWDER CALLED No. 2', folding leaf back-sights from '50' to '250' yards and each with central platinum line, border engraved case-hardened recessed patent breech with platinum line and pierced platinum plug, border engraved case-hardened tang, signed serial numbered detented flat lock with dolphin hammer and safety-catch, border engraved steel mounts comprising chequered blued butt-plate and serial numbered trigger-guard, the latter with chequered spur, hinged circular case-hardened patch-box cover, case-hardened trigger-plate with pineapple-shaped finial, figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with horn cap, adjustable set trigger, steel barrel-bolt escutcheons, sling mount, original ramrod with horn tip, and retaining much of its original finish, London proof marks and James Purdey's barrelsmith's mark 89.3 cm. barrelFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 156. Unsworth notes 'A very heavy barrel, the underside engraved '3½ dms, Coarse Powder called No. 6 or 2-dms. Fine Powder called No. 2.' Auctioned by Foster and Co. 30 June 1863, when it sold for £8. 18s 6d. Sights to 150 Yards'Dallas, p. 191For 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 Rare And Unusual .600 (19-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleSigned G.E. Walker, Newbury, Late With J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. GEW 68, Circa 1845With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel (some scattered old pitting) signed along the top flat, rifled with nine wide spiral grooves, and with short platinum line on the folding-leaf back-sight, recessed patent breech with platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, the top flat engraved with a stag's head, tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat lock decorated with foliate scrollwork and a tiger in a landscape, replacement dolphin hammer engraved with foliate scrollwork, engraved safety-catch, highly figured half-stock (old repairs on either side of the heel) with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, border engraved steel mounts (engraving refreshed) comprising butt-plate decorated with foliate scrollwork on the heel tang, spur trigger-guard en suite, trigger-plate with scroll engraved pointed finial, hinged circular patch-box cover decorated with a flower-head centred on a border of ropework, vacant gold escutcheon and silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, sling mounts, and original ramrod with dark horn tip, London proof marks and barrelsmith's mark of Thomas Evans 75 cm. barrelFootnotes:George E. Walker is recorded in Newbury, Berkshire between 1843 and 1869Cf. a 13-bore pin-fire d.b. sporting gun (no. 696) by the same maker and sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms and Armour, 2 December 2004, lot 379For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Mahogany Case For A Small-Bore Percussion Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 3303 For 1839Fitted and lined for the rifle and accessories, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (damaged), the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting brass carrying handleFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 154. The whole set recorded as sold on 27 October 1839 for £73.10.0.For 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 .450 (40-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion D.B. Two-Groove Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 5716 For 1859With shortened rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each rifled for a belted ball, matted along the rib at the breech and towards the fore-sight, signed in full and engraved 'Charge, 3¾ Drams No. 6 Powder.' forward of the folding leaf sights from '50' to '200' Yards, 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 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 with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising chequered butt-plate, serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur, trigger-plate with long slender finial, and hinged circular patch-box cover decorated en suite with the mounts and engraved '3¼ drams. R. Powder.' on the inside, engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons (head of barrel-bolt repaired), grooved forward trigger, sling mounts, brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining some original finish, London proof marks; together with its steel bullet mould serial numbered to the rifle (2)75 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 171, pls. 75-78. Recorded as sold on 5 November 1859 for £84.0.0. Unsworth notes 'Although recorded as 34 bore, it actually gauges as a 40. The charge 3¾ drams No.6 Powder is inscribed in the barrel rib; the rifling has a pitch of one turn in 6' and the one fixed and three leaf-sights are inscribed for 50, 100, 150 and 200 yards'. Built for the Earl of Tankerville Dallas, p. 192Charles Augustus Bennett, 6th Earl of Tankerville (1810-1899), styled Lord Ossulston between 1822 and 1859 was educated at Harrow and Christ Church, Oxford. He was Member of Parliament for North Northumberland in 1832 and held his seat until 1859. On 8 March 1833 he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland. He served as Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentleman-at-arms between 1866 and 1867, and as Lord Steward of the Household between 1867 and 1868. In 1866 he was sworn of the Privy Council. He died at the family seat of Chillingham Castle, Northumberland in December 1899. See lot 80Purdey's records reference buying locks from a Grainger of Wolverhampton. See Tony Gibbs-Murray, British Gunlock Makers, 2019, pp. 157 and 158For 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 '3⅓ 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 .450 (40-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion Two-Groove Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6031 For 1861With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each rifled for a belted ball, matted along the rib between the breeches and towards the fore-sight, and signed in full forward of the folding leaf-sights from '100' to '200' 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 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 with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising chequered butt (heel with some old pitting), serial numbered trigger-guard (light rust patination) retaining some blueing and with chequered spur, 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 of repeated flowering foliage, engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, sling mounts (ramrod missing), and retaining some original finish: in associated partly relined and refitted brass-mounted oak case with some accessories including Sykes patent white-metal mounted powder-flask with bag-shaped body covered in black pigskin, and in fine condition, brass bullet mould serial numbered to the rifle, steel sprue-cutter, reproduction powder magazine painted black and 'Improved Rifle Powder.' in gilt, and with reproduction bullet swedge and two wooden bullet-starters, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (damage), the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 75 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 172. Recorded as sold on 15 August 1861 for £84.0.0. Built for The Earl of DucieDallas, p. 192Henry John Reynolds-Moreton, 3rd Earl of Ducie (1827-1921), styled Lord Moreton between 1840 and 1853, was a courtier and Liberal Party politician. He served as Captain of the Yeoman of the Guard between 1859, the year he was admitted to the Privy Council, and 1866, and as Lord Warden of the Stannaries in Cornwall between 1888 and 1908. He lived at Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire, built between 1848 and 1853, and during the course of his life he spent much of his time acquiring unusual and exotic plants from around the world to plant in the grounds Offered with a facsimile of an article titled 'Crocodile Shooting', from ''Land And Water'', 3 February 1872For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .500 (36-Bore) Pin-Fire D.B. Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6153 For 1861With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves, signed in full along the rib at the breech and matted beyond to the muzzles, folding leaf-sights from '80' to '300' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, bright border engraved tang decorated with foliate scrollwork, engraved swept fences, rounded action, rotary under-lever with terminal chequered for the fingers, signed border engraved bright serial numbered detented back-action locks each case-hardened on the inside, and dolphin hammers all decorated en suite, the latter each with blued safety-catch, chequered steel butt-plate engraved '2 Drs' over No. 6 Powder' (worn) on the heel, reblued border engraved serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur, highly figured half-stock with cheek-piece and chequered grip, and chequered detachable fore-end with engraved steel mounts: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including serial numbered steel bullet mould, two empty tins of Curtis's & Harvey 'The Diamond Grain Gunpowder', and black patent leather pouch for nine .500 unloaded rounds, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor damage) with handwritten loading instructions, the exterior (old split along the back) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 73.7 cm. barrelsFootnotes:ProvenanceThe rifle sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms, Modern Firearms & Accessories, 19 July 2011, lot 127LiteratureUnsworth, p. 173. Recorded as sold on 9 August 1861 for £55.0.0. plus a double rifle no. 4539 put in part exchange. Built for the Hon. H. Annesley and later resold to a Mr. W.L. BrookeDallas, p. 192For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A .450 (52-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion Two-Groove Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, The Barrel No. 6320 For 1862, The Lock No. 6933 For 1865With rebrowned elaborately twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat and rifled for a belted ball (breech and sights replaced), signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented flat lock (some old pitting) decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammer en suite and with blued safety-catch in front, modern tang and figured half-stock, the latter with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, steel mounts (butt-plate and trigger-plate associated and filed-off) including hinged circular case-hardened butt-trap cover engraved with a circular arrangement of foliate scrollwork centred on a border of repeated flowering foliage, the interior engraved '6 Powder 2½ drams', foliate scroll engraved trigger-guard serial numbered '9596' on the chequered spur, adjustable set trigger, sling mounts, and ramrod with replacement tip, London proof marks 93.3 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, pp. 174 and 177. Serial no. 6320 built for a Mr. T.W. Roberts in 1862. No. 6933 recorded as one of a pair of d.b. percussion rifles sold on 15 May 1865 for £168.0.0. and built for Lord Powerscourt. Serial no. 9596 recorded as no. 2 of a pair of 12-bore back-action hammer guns, and built for a Major Spicer in 1876Dallas, pp. 192 and 193For 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 .350 (100-Bore) Pin-Fire D.B. Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6867 For 1864With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves and signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed) in front of the replacement folding leaf back-sights, swept fences, rounded action engraved 'Purdey's Patent' beneath, signed border engraved serial numbered detented back-action locks each stamped with lockmaker's initials 'JP' on the inside, and dolphin hammers (one expertly replaced) each with safety-catch, first pattern thumb-hole lever and steel mounts all decorated en suite, the last comprising serial numbered trigger-guard pierced for the thumb and with chequered spur, chequered butt engraved 'CHARGE ⅝ OF A DM' over 'OF No. 6 POWDER' on the heel, highly figured butt with cheek-piece and chequered grip (minor old bruise), chequered detachable fore-end with engraved steel mounts, and vacant silver escutcheon (some wear and light pitting), London proof marks 71.2 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 193Built for the Hon. A. Stourton and later resold to a Mr. J.S. WalkerFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .400 (70-Bore Black Powder Express) Percussion D.B. Two-Groove Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6958 For 1865With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each rifled for a belted ball, matted along the rib between the breeches and towards the fore-sight, and signed in full forward of the folding leaf-sights from '200' to '300' 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 and stamped with lockmaker's initials 'IB' 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 with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliate scrollwork and comprising chequered butt-plate engraved 'Charge 3½ Drams of No. 6 Powder' (partly re-engraved) and at a later date with 'GR' on the heel, blued serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur, trigger-plate with long slender finial decorated with two flower-heads, and hinged circular case-hardened patch box-cover with flower-head centred on a circular arrangement of scrolling foliage within a border of repeated flowering foliage, vacant silver escutcheon, border engraved barrel-bolt escutcheons, sling mounts, replacement brass-mounted ramrod, and retaining much of its original finish: in associated partly relined and refitted oak case (no. 6190 for a percussion d.b. rifle sold on 24 July 1862) with some accessories including steel bullet mould serial numbered to the rifle, brass bullet mould, and steel combination tool, in its leather wallet, 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, London proof marks 72.3 cm. barrelsFootnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, pp. 173 and 177. Recorded as sold on 19 July 1865 for £84.0.0. Built for Sir Edward FilmerDallas, p. 193Purdey's records note the stocker as John Robertson, later of Boss & Co. The lockmaker's initials are those of a member of the Brazier family of Wolverhampton. See Tony Gibbs-Murray, British Gunlock Makers, 2019, pp. 112-115For 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 Cased .500 (38-Bore) Pin-Fire D.B. Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 6940 For 1866With damascus twist sighted barrels (some old pitting beneath the breeches) retaining trace of browning and each rifled with six spiral grooves, matted along the rib at the breech and towards the fore-sight, and signed in full along the rib forward of the folding leaf-sights from '80' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, long slender border engraved tang decorated with foliage scrollwork, swept fences each engraved with a starburst, the case-hardened rounded action, long-guard rotary under-lever with ring terminal on the serial numbered chequered spur, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented back-action locks (some internal pitting) and dolphin hammers all decorated en suite, the latter each with blued safety-catch, chequered steel butt-plate engraved 'CHARGE' over '3¼ No. 6 POWDER' on the heel, highly figured butt with cheek-piece and chequered grip, chequered detachable fore-end with engraved steel mounts, vacant silver escutcheon, sling mounts, and retaining some original finish: in contemporary oak case (no. 7489 for a 12-bore centre-fire d.b. hammer gun built in 1867 for a Mr. J.S. Mackenzie) fitted and lined in burgundy baize (adapted) with some accessories, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor damage) with handwritten loading instructions, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush fitting brass carrying handle, London proof marks 76.2 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceAcquired at some time during the 1970's from the Bowes-Lyon family formerly of Streatlam Castle, near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham LiteratureUnsworth, p. 177. Built for Mr. Timothy Hutchinson and completed on 6 July 1866 at a cost of £88.0.0.Dallas, p. 193Timothy Hutchinson (1818-1904) was the owner of Egglestone Hall and estate in County Durham. He appears to have derived his income from tenant farmers, renting the thirty farms in his ownership. He is perhaps one of Purdey's most prolific clients, buying some two-hundred and twenty-five arms between 1846 and 1896. Many of these appear to have been purchased for a particular guest, as they were often returned to Purdey (usually at a loss), with the credit being placed against his next purchase. Amongst his many purchases were two pairs of guns made for the Paris Exhibition of 1878: 10103/4, a pair of ebonised 28-bore centre-fire hammer guns; and 10110/1, a pair of gold-inlaid 16-bore centre-fire hammer guns with maple stocks. The latter pair remained with him for eight years, and after being returned to Purdey were resold to Lord Keane, forming part of his bequest to King George V and which are now displayed in the Royal Gunroom at SandringhamFor more information regarding John Manly Arbuthnot, 3rd Baron Keane (1816-1901) and his bequest of 1901, see David Baker, The Royal Gunroom at Sandringham, 1989, pp. 105-117, no. 30 for details of nos. 10110/1 above; and Dr. Nicholas A. Harlow, 'The Paris Exhibition of 1878. Part 3. The Keane Bequest', The Vintage Gun Journal, March 2022For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .450 (60-Bore) Pin-Fire D.B. Sporting RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 7226 For 1866With browned damascus twist sighted barrels (some old surface patination) each rifled six spiral grooves, matted along the rib at the breech and towards the fore-sight, and signed in full along the rib forward of the folding leaf-sights from '100' to '250' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, long slender border engraved tang decorated with foliate scrollwork, swept fences each engraved with a starburst, the case-hardened rounded action, long-guard rotary under-lever with ring terminal on the serial numbered chequered spur, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented back-action locks each stamped with lockmaker's initials 'JP' on the inside, the mechanisms retaining their burnished finish, and dolphin hammers all decorated en suite, the latter each with blued safety-catch in front, blued chequered steel butt-plate engraved 'CHARGE' over '3¼ DMS No. 6 POWDER' on the heel, highly figured butt with cheek-piece and chequered grip, the latter stamped '512' behind, chequered detachable fore-end with engraved steel mounts, vacant silver escutcheon, and retaining most of its original finish: in contemporary oak case (no. 6994 for a 60-bore percussion d.b. rifle built in 1865) fitted and lined in burgundy baize with accessories including steel bullet mould, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor damage) with handwritten loading instructions, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 76.2 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 193Built for Sir A. BannermanFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

The Parts Of A 20-Bore Centre-Fire D.B. Sporting Hammer GunBy Purdey, London, No. 7871 For 1869Originally a .500 (40-bore) d.b. rifle, rebarrelled by another (worn and badly pitted), with foliate scroll engraved rounded action decorated with stags and hinds in landscapes, long tapering tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with a deerhound between the strikers, signed border engraved back-action locks decorated en suite with the action, foliate scroll engraved dolphin hammers each with safety-catch in front, foliate scroll engraved serial numbered rotary under-lever with chequered ring terminal, figured butt with later extension, cheek-piece and chequered grip, chequered detachable fore-end with engraved steel mounts, and vacant silver escutcheon (some old wear and light rust patination), Birmingham nitro proof 71.3 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 193Built for a Mr. S.M. Turner Farley and completed on 6 August 1869This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: S2S2 Section 2 lots require a valid British Shotgun certificate, RFD (Registered Firearms Dealer) Licence or import licence.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .360 (Black Powder Express) Centre-Fire D.B. Hammer RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 8091 For 1869With reblacked sighted barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves, signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed) and leaf-sighted from '50' to '100' yards, each leaf re-engraved, long slender tang engraved with foliate scrollwork and with V-shaped back-sight, rounded action, Jones Patent rotary under-lever with terminal chequered for the fingers, signed border engraved serial numbered detented back-action locks (one mainspring replaced) and dolphin hammers (one replaced) all decorated en suite, figured stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and butt, chequered detachable fore-end with dark horn tip, steel mounts comprising trigger-guard, heel- and toe-plates, sling mounts (button replaced), and vacant silver escutcheon (steel parts worn and pitted overall): in later brass-mounted oak and leather case fitted and lined in burgundy baize with some accessories including steel bullet mould, and chamber-brush with horn handle, the interior of the lid with Stephen Grant & Sons, 67A. St. James's Street, London trade label, and charges label for breech-loading guns numbered '6389' (for a 28-bore centre-fire d.b. sporting gun built for Sir George Meyrick in 1892), the exterior tooled with owner's initials 'G.M.' and retaining the leather straps and carrying handle, London proof marks 68.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:Built for a Major CartwrightFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Cased .500 (Black Powder Express) Centre-Fire D.B. Hammer RifleBy J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 8675 For 1872With rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves and signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed) forward of the folding leaf sights from '50' to '250' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, long slender border engraved case-hardened tang decorated with foliate scrollwork and 'PATENT' in an oval between the hollowed percussion fences, side-clips, border engraved case-hardened rounded action, long-guard rotary under-lever with ring-terminal on the serial numbered chequered spur, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented non-rebounding back-action locks, and dolphin hammers (one expertly replaced or repaired) all decorated en suite, the latter each with blued safety-catch in front, chequered steel butt-plate retaining some original blueing and engraved 'CHARGE' over '4 DRAMS No. 6 POWDER' on the heel, highly figured butt with cheek-piece and chequered grip, chequered detachable fore-end with engraved steel mounts (retaining-bolt chipped), silver escutcheon engraved with owner's initials, sling mounts, and retaining much original finish: in contemporary oak case (no. 7632 for no. 1 of a pair of 12-bore centre-fire d.b. sporting guns built in 1867) fitted and lined in burgundy baize with accessories including J. Purdey & Sons brass .500 bullet-seater, and leather cartridge pouch for seven unloaded .500 rounds, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (some damage), the exterior (old split) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 73.6 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 193Built for a Mr J. Jardine PetersonFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A .360 (Black Powder Express) Centre-Fire D.B. Hammer Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 8698 For 1872With reblacked sighted barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves, signed in full along the rib (engraving refreshed), and leaf-sighted from '50' to '100' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, border engraved long slender tang, hollowed percussion fences, rounded action, rotary under-lever with chequered finger-grip, signed border engraved serial numbered back-action locks, dolphin hammers, and mounts all decorated with foliate scrollwork, the last comprising heel- and toe-plates and serial numbered trigger-guard, figured stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and butt, chequered detachable fore-end with horn tip, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's crest, and sling mounts, London proof marks; together with a brass bullet mould stamped '360' (2)68.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 193Built for Lord Muncaster in 1872. Purdey's records show that this rifle was 'Taken in from Pryse & Redman'. It appears that Lord Muncaster had no. 8697 first, and subsequently swapped it with Earl de Grey for this rifleFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A .500 (Black Powder Express) Centre-Fire D.B. Hammer Rifle By J. Purdey, 314½ Oxford Street, London, No. 8962 For 1873With rebrowned damascus twist sighed barrels each rifled with six spiral grooves and signed in full along the rib in front of the folding adjustable back-sight from '100' to '300' yards, the sight and adjuster each with central platinum line, long slender border engraved case-hardened tang decorated with foliate scrollwork and 'PATENT' in an oval between the hollowed percussion fences, side-clips, border engraved case-hardened action, long-guard rotary under-lever with ring-terminal on the serial numbered chequered spur, signed border engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented non-rebounding back-action locks, and dolphin hammers (one expertly replaced) all decorated en suite, the latter each with blued safety-catch in front, chequered steel butt-plate engraved 'CHARGE' over '4¼ DRMS. No. 6 POWDER' on the heel, highly figured butt (some old bruising) with cheek-piece and chequered grip, chequered detachable fore-end (retaining bolt replaced) with dark horn cap, sling mounts, and retaining some original finish, London proof marks; together with a brass .450 bullet mould, and a striker key and spare strikers, in their leather wallet (3)73.7 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 193Built for Sir J.W. ClerkFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A 20-Bore Centre-Fire D.B. Hammer GunBy J. Purdey & Sons, No. 10777 For 1880Converted from a black powder express rifle, with reblacked leaf-sighted barrels from '50' to '150' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, foliate scroll engraved tang, swept fences, rounded action, Jones patent rotary under-lever with terminal chequered for the fingers, signed border engraved serial numbered detented back-action locks, and non-rebounding dolphin hammers all en suite, the latter each with safety-catch in front, highly figured butt with chequered pistol-grip and grooved hard-rubber butt-plate, the former with ovoidal grip-cap decorated with foliate scrollwork, chequered fore-end with engraved steel mounts, recoloured serial numbered trigger-guard en suite, and vacant silver escutcheon (sling mounts removed), Birmingham nitro reproof 71.1 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureDallas, p. 193Built for Earl de Grey as one of a group of firearms intended for use in India, where his father was ViceroyFrederick Oliver Robinson, Earl de Grey, later 2nd Marquis of Ripon (1852-1923) is arguably the greatest shot of all time with a recorded lifetime's total of 556,813 head of game. He favoured hammer guns and much of his shooting was with a trio of guns with which, combined with great speed of loading, he is known to have had seven dead birds in the air at one time.At Studley Royal, his estate in Yorkshire, he entertained the royalty and nobility of England and Europe and in turn shot at the greatest sporting estates including Holkham, Sandringham and Elveden during 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 great shots. He died on 22 September 1923 having killed fifty-one grouse on his last drive. As the last birds of the day were picked he fell down dead. See Rupert Godfrey, Olly: The Life and Times of Frederick Oliver Robinson, 2nd Marquis of Ripon, 2012This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: S2S2 Section 2 lots require a valid British Shotgun certificate, RFD (Registered Firearms Dealer) Licence or import licence.For 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

Seven Ramrods For Percussion Rifles19th CenturyMostly brass-mounted, five variously with dark horn, wooden or brass knob, one for a Purdey percussion 'Pea Rifle'. no. 4119 for 1846; three with threaded cap over a steel worm; together with a modern rod with original threaded brass tip over a steel worm (damaged) (8)Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 159. No. 4119 built for 'Orsay' but probably sold at a later dateFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

Eleven Bullet Moulds 19th CenturyOf brass, six each hinged together, made for casting conical bullets, with later cord bindings and serial numbered '4763', '4837' (with its hollow-point tool), '5194', '5317x18' and engraved 'Marquis of Breadalbane', '5492' and '5773'; another, with cord bindings, one arm stamped 'Beckwith, Skinner St., London', and 'No. 3156 Registered 1 March 1852' on the other; another, stamped '38' and 'No. 3088 Registered Jan 22. 1852' in an oval; another, serial numbered '05147' and with its reproduction hollow-point tool; another, with its hollow-point tool; and the last for casting conical and spherical bullets, the sprue-cutter stamped 'No. 21' (14)Footnotes:4763 was completed in 1853 as a 32-bore single-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to His excellency J. Hudson CB4837 was completed in 1853 as a 40-bore double-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to Lord Dupplin 5194 was completed in 1856 as a 40-bore double-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to Earl Granard5317 was completed in 1857 as no. 1 of a pair of 32-bore double-barrelled rifles, sold to the Marquis of Breadalbane5492 was completed in 1858 as a 6-bore single-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to Sir V.R. Corbett5773 was completed in 1860 as a 40-bore double-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to a Mr. Malcolm OrmeLiteratureUnsworth, p. 98, 169 and 170. Unsworth notes 'Old furniture, locks, etc. worked in' account for the reduced price. A single-cavity mould exists, '5317 x 18', i.e. both rifles, and 'No. 3', also engraved 'Marquess of Breadalbane' in copperplate. The mould casts a two-winged conical bullet with one of the wings having a reversed '3', i.e. the number stamped into one of the wings inside the mould, by which to identify the number of the mould used'For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

Ten Bullet MouldsMostly 19th CenturyOf steel, each hinged together and made for casting a conical bullet, all but one with hinged sprue-cutter and serial numbered '1406', '6386', '6613', '6711', '6965', '7456', '8113' and '8114', one for .577 bullets and with cord bindings, together with its hollow-point tool with swelling wooden handle, and brass case-crimping tool stamped 'Greenfield, London'; two reproduction steel moulds numbered '7252' and '1' and '2' respectively, and with their serial numbered bullet swedge, hollow-point tool with swelling wooden handle and sprue-cutter; together with two reproduction bullet swedges, one numbered '5796', and two turned wooden bullet-starters (21)Footnotes:1406 was completed in 1828 as a 12-bore single-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to a Mr. Calmady6386 was completed in 1862 as a 12-bore double-barrelled pin-fire rifle, sold to His Highness the Maharaja Dig Bigay Singh Bahador. This appears to be the Maharaha of Balrampur 6613 was completed in 1864 as a 38-bore double-barrelled pin-fire rifle, sold to Sir J. Ramsden Bart.6711 was completed in 1865 as a 40-bore double-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to the brother of the Rajah of Kupphoorl (sic)6965 was completed in 1865 as a 70-bore double-barrelled percussion rifle, sold to Sir Thomas Hartop7456 was completed in 1867 as no. 1. of a pair of 70-bore double-barrelled percussion rifles, sold to Lord H. Bentinck (see introduction)8113 was completed in 1869 as a 40-bore double-barrelled centre-fire rifle, sold to a Mr. Jas. Mellor8114 was completed in 1869 as a 40-bore double-barrelled centre-fire rifle, sold to the Hon. D. Arbuthnot The last three items are copies of Unsworth, p. 10, pl. 79For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Group Of Accessories Relating To Antique And Vintage FirearmsMostly 19th CenturyComprising a combined mallet and loading rod, the head faced in leather; a modern three-piece ramrod, in an original leather slip; three turnscrews each with swelling wooden handle; another in early style with turned wooden handle; a nipple-key with wooden handle; fourteen various patch-cutters; a G. & J.W. Hawksley brass capping/decapping tool for .500 rifle cartridges; a James Purdey & Sons brass capping/decapping tool for 12-bore cartridges; two powder-measures each with wooden handle and sprung cut-off lever, one calibrated from '4' to '5' Drams; a cartridge case trimmer; a Bartram & Co. white-metal .500 cartridge-extracting tool; a .450 chamber-brush with horn handle and later brass cover; a striker-key with swelling wooden handle; two turned hardwood bullet-pushers; a reproduction breech protector and hollow-point tool; two nickel powder-funnels; two turned wooden patch boxes and another of bone for strikers; three bone brushes; two brass percussion adaptors; and two pairs of .410 snap-caps (46)For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Group Of Mechanisms For Percussion And Centre-Fire Hammer Sporting Guns And Rifles By Purdey Of London, Mid-Late 19th CenturyComprising a pair of signed border engraved flat locks decorated with foliate scrollwork, dolphin hammer en suite (the other and both retaining screws replaced), serial numbered 1332 for 1828; another pair (pitted, hammers repaired, mainsprings replaced) each fitted with patent external 'SAFETY' catch, serial numbered 2179 for 1832; another pair (some pitting, hammers repaired, one retaining screw missing) each decorated with scrolling foliage, serial numbered 2490 for 1833; another pair (some pitting, one hammer retaining screw replaced) each decorated with a prone stag in a landscape, and with safety-catch in front of each hammer, serial numbered 2551 for 1834; another, decorated with foliate scrollwork and with patent external 'SAFETY' catch, serial no. 2929 for 1836; another, decorated with foliate scrollwork and with safety-catch in front of the hammer (retaining screw expertly replaced), serial no. 5289 for 1857; a foliate scroll engraved back-action lock-plate (rust patinated), serial no. 6373; a foliate scroll engraved case-hardened lock-plate, serial no. 9760; three foliate engraved lock-plates, one signed 'Wild' (one hammer missing, one replaced); a pair of lock-plates 'in the white' (one fitted with an old mechanism) and a reproduction steel and brass trigger mechanism; and a foliate engraved case-hardened dolphin hammer (19)Footnotes:1332 recorded as a percussion d.b. sporting gun2179 recorded as a 19-bore percussion d.b. 'Keeper's Gun', to Joseph Lang2490 recorded as a 15-bore percussion d.b. sporting gun built for the Hon. Colonel Bligh2551 recorded as a 14-bore percussion d.b. sporting rifle built for a Mr. James Duff Esq.2929 recorded as no. 2 of a pair of 14-bore percussion d.b. sporting guns built for a Mr. Higginson5289 recorded as a 32-bore percussion d.b. sporting rifle built for a Mr. F.E. GrahamFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A Rare Purdey Trade Label, And Nine OthersThe First Circa 1868-77, Five Circa 1827-77, The Remainder 1878-82All with 314½ Oxford Street, London address, two with handwritten loading instructions (some staining and damage); together with two reproduction Purdey trade labels (12)Footnotes:For the first see Donald Dallas, James Purdey & Sons Gun and Rifle Makers..., 2013, p. 389For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

An Early .650 (16-Bore) Percussion Sporting RifleThe Barrel And Mounts By J. Purdey, Princes Street, Leicester Square, London, No. 892 For 1825With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed in full along the top flat, rifled with twelve spiral grooves, and leaf-sighted from '100' to '200' yards, each leaf with central platinum line, recessed patent breech with platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, tang re-engraved with foliate scrollwork and a tiger's mask on the sighting flat, flat detented lock (hammer associated) re-engraved with Purdey style decoration and inscribed 'Purdey', engraved safety-catch, expertly replaced Purdey style half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and fore-end, the latter with dark horn cap, re-engraved steel mounts including serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur, trigger-plate with foliate engraved pointed finial, sling button engraved with a flower-head, horn-tipped ramrod, and in refurbished condition, London proof marks and Charles Lancaster's barrelsmith's mark 74.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:LiteratureUnsworth, p. 142. Recorded as a second hand sale and 'sold to Joseph Lang, dealer, 7 Haymarket, for £23.' Built for a Mr. LangstonDallas, p. 190For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com