Lot 1390

Pair of Brown Brothers Engraved Purdey 20 Gauge Shotguns

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Pair of Brown Brothers Engraved Purdey 20 Gauge Shotguns

Estimate: $275,000 - $475,000

Starting Bid: $225,000

(0 Bids)

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

Absolutely Stunning Consecutive Pair of Factory Brown Brothers Signed, Gold Inlaid, and Master Engraved J. Purdey & Sons 20 Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotguns with Case -A) J. Purdey & Sons 20 Gauge Shotgun Absolutely Stunning Consecutive Pair of Factory Brown Brothers Signed, Gold Inlaid, and Master Engraved J. Purdey & Sons 20 Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotguns with Case -A) J. Purdey & Sons 20 Gauge Shotgun James Purdey & Sons has been one of the world's truly elite makers of fine arms for over 200 years and the firm is responsible for crafting some of the most beautiful firearms ever created. This sensational pair is a stunning example of the work that Purdey's is capable of, and the engraving by the famed Brown Brothers, leaves nothing to be desired. The pair would be a welcome addition to even the most advanced collection of English and European sporting arms, with the added bonus of "jumping the line" and being able to take them home immediately, avoiding the multi-year wait one would face when ordering a pair like this directly. Pairs of guns like this are not frequently offered for public sale, making this a rare opportunity to get your hands on them now. Each gun in the pair was built with attractive blacked steel barrels featuring a single brass bead sight on the flat file cut solid rib which is inlaid with a gold "1" or "2" near the base, "JAMES PURDEY & SONS. LONDON" inlaid in gold on the left of the upper tube, a single band of engraving at the breech, London proof marks dated 1992 on the flats and right side of the upper tube, and chambers marked 2 3/4 inches with ejectors. The barrels of each are fitted to a brushed bright finished sidelock action which displays "J. PURDEY & SONS" in flush gold inlay on the leg of either lockplate encompassed by beautifully executed tight traditional Purdey style bouquet and small scroll engraving with bouquets on either bolster and two on the underside along with three relief gold inlaid game scenes. The game scenes on gun "1" depict a trio of pheasant cocks in an upland scene flushing from cover on the left, a trio of snipe in flight over a pond on the underside, and a grey partridge being driven in a wooded scene on the right. The scenes on gun "2" show a trio of red legged partridge flushing on the left in a rolling hills scene, a pair of woodcocks alighting on the underside, and a red grouse in a heathered moor scene on the right. The scrollwork then flows off of the actions onto the trigger guard, toplevers which are marked with a gold "1" or "2", and the tangs, the bottom of which is inlaid in gold with their respective serial numbers. The engraving is signed "A. M. BROWN" on the left lockplate and "J. P. BROWN" on the right lockplate for Master Engravers Alan and John Brown. The watertable area of both action has vibrant case colors from the hardening process nicely contrasting with the bright exterior. Each gun features a single gold trigger, gold centerline cocking indicators on the lockplates, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. Each gun is fitted with an attractively figured and mullered border multi-point checkered forend with brushed bright scroll engraved iron and Anson button release which is inlaid with a gold "1" or "2". Each gun has a magnificently well figured straight grip stock featuring the same checkering at the wrist, teardrop carved drop points, a gold "JY" inlaid directly into the toe line, and engraved brushed bright heel and toe plates above and below the checkered butt. Includes an oak and black ostrich leather double gun case with canvas cover, gold maker's label on interior lid, ebony marquetry in the corners, a fitted red goat skin interior, and a brass plaque on the lid engraved with a pair of bedded partridges. The case contains a full compliment of Mike Marsh tools; cleaning tools, ebony handled turnscrews, nickel and horn jars numbered "1" and "2" holding spare strikers, oil pots, and two sets of snap caps. While the case is not marked, it bears all the hallmarks of famed case maker Vincent Rickards. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at 15.6 mm (.614 inches); choke constriction .012/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.029 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 6 oz.

Manufacturer: Purdey J & Sons Ltd

Model: Over/Under

BBL: 28 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 20

Finish: black/brushed bright/gold

Serial Number29329

Class: Modern Long Gun

B) J. Purdey & Sons 20 Gauge Shotgun As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at 15.6 mm (.614 inches); choke constriction .011/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.030 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 1 oz.

Manufacturer: Purdey J & Sons Ltd

Model: Over/Under

BBL: 28 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 20

Finish: brown/brushed bright/gold

Serial Number29330

Class: Modern Long Gun

  • Condition: A) Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original black, brushed bright, and gold inlaid finishes with minimal handling evidence, the barrels have turned an attractive plum hue as is common on these fine English guns, crisp engraving, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is also excellent. B) Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original black, brushed bright, and gold inlaid finishes with minimal handling evidence, attractive plum hue on the barrels as is common on these fine English guns, crisp engraving and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. One may look a long time to find a nicer pair of Purdey's, do not let this chance pass you by!

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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