Lot 1392

Pair of James Purdey & Sons Sub-Gauge Sidelock O/U Shotguns

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Pair of James Purdey & Sons Sub-Gauge Sidelock O/U Shotguns

Estimate: $250,000 - $400,000

Starting Bid: $200,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding Pair of Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid James Purdey & Sons Sub-Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotguns in .410 Bore and 28 Gauge Respectively with Cases -A) James Purdey & Sons .410 Bore Shotgun Outstanding Pair of Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid James Purdey & Sons Sub-Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotguns in .410 Bore and 28 Gauge Respectively with Cases -A) James Purdey & Sons .410 Bore Shotgun For over 200 years the name James Purdey & Sons has been synonymous with quality, class, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. This stunning small bore pair is a shining example of Purdey's work and makes it clear how they have earned their reputation and their seat at the highest table in the art of gunmaking. This pair exhibits timeless and tasteful embellishment that would not only be at home in any collection of fine European arms but also comfortable in the hands of a discerning sportsman chasing snipe, doves, or any manner of bird afield anywhere in the world. Pairs of Purdey guns like this are not often found for public sale, and one would wait multiple years to have one like it made today, do not pass up this chance to avoid the wait and own them today! Both guns in this fabulous pair were built with blacked steel demiblock barrels featuring a single brass bead sight on the hand filed vent rib, "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET LONDON ENGLAND." marked on the left side of the upper tube, 1983 dated London proof marks on the flat and right side of the upper tube, a single band of border engraving at the breech, and chambers marked 3 inches with automatic ejectors. The barrels of each gun are fitted to a vibrantly case colored sidelock action which is extensively adorned with Purdey's classic and quintessentially English bouquet and scroll engraving covering nearly the entire surface and surrounding a script "James Purdey & Sons" signature on the leg of either lockplate and "JAMES PURDEY & SONS./LONDON : ENGLAND" on the underside, all in flush inlaid gold. The engraving then spills off of the action and continues onto the upper tang and the blacked toplever, trigger guard, and lower tang, which is inlaid with their respective serial number in gold. The engraving is unsigned on both guns, indicating that the work was done by Purdey's highly skilled team of in-house engravers. The guns both feature intercepting sears, a single trigger, right hand beaded trigger guard, nitre blue ribbed cocking indicators on either lockplate, and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. The guns a both fitted with a stunning highly figured and mullered border multi-point checkered forend with engraved black iron and Anson button release as well as a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points and beautifully engraved blacked heel and toe plates around the checkered butt. Includes a maker's leather motor case for both guns, each with its own leather cover and containing snap caps, oil pots, a jag, mop, and brush. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .410 (inches) and .408 measured inches; choke constriction .017/.022 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 9/16 inch length of pull; slightly out at the toe; weight 6 lbs. 2 oz.

Manufacturer: Purdey J & Sons Ltd

Model: Over/Under

BBL: 28 inch vent rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 410

Finish: black/casehardened/gold

Serial Number28670

Class: Modern Long Gun

B) James Purdey & Sons 28 Gauge Shotgun As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at .550 inches; choke constriction .023/.027 inches; minimum wall thickness .038/.039 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 9/16 inch length of pull; slightly out at the toe; weight 5 lbs. 13 oz.

Manufacturer: Purdey J & Sons Ltd

Model: Over/Under

BBL: 28 inch vent rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 28

Finish: black/casehardened/gold

Serial Number28671

Class: Modern Long Gun

  • Condition: A) Excellent overall, retaining 99% original black, vibrant case colors, and gold finishes with minimal handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The cases are both excellent. B) Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original black, deep case colors, and gold finishes with minimal handling evidence and sharp checkering on the forend and stock. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss out on this chance to own a fantastic pair of classic small bore English guns!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000