Lot 334

Ken C. Hunt Engraved Purdey 20 Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun

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Ken C. Hunt Engraved Purdey 20 Gauge Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun

Estimate: $50,000 - $85,000

Starting Bid: $45,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding Ken C. Hunt Master Engraved and Gold Game Scene Inlaid J. Purdey & Sons 20 Gauge Extra Finish Sidelock Over/Under Shotgun with Purdey Letter James Purdey & Sons has long been one of the world's premier makers of fine arms, with this piece being an excellent example of their "best quality" work. This gun, according to the included letter from Purdey, was completed in October of 1961 for an A. G. Daniels. The letter further confirms the current gauge, chambers, barrel length, single trigger, ejectors, forend, safety, weight, and length of pull, though the barrel is listed as vent rib with dual beads, indicating what is likely a recording error. The letter further states that the "Gold birds on the action and gold dog on underside of action" executed by legendary British Master Engraver Ken C. Hunt. The gun was built with blacked steel demiblock barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted flat tapered solid rib, "J. PURDEY & SONS." and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." engraved on the left and right of the upper tube, period London proof marks on the flats and right of the upper tube, and chambers marked 2 3/4 inches with gilded ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened Purdey improved Woodward type sidelock action. The action is engraved with beautifully executed ornamental acanthus scrollwork surrounded by "J. Purdey & Sons." inlaid in gold on either side of the action bar, "J. Purdey & Sons/London" in fancy script on the underside, and a trio of magnificent gold inlaid game scenes before continuing onto the toplever, trigger guard, and both tangs. The game scenes depict a covey of Gambel's quail running from cover preparing to flush on the left lockplate, a bust of a setter on the underside, and a pair of lighting mallards on the left lockplate, all inlaid in wonderful high detail. The gun features Purdey's Gate single gold trigger, ribbed cocking indicator on either lockplate, gilded lock work, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. The gun is fitted with a beautiful highly figured and mullered border multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved black iron and case colored push-rod release as well as a pistol grip stock with teardrop carved flats, a polymer grip cap, blank gold stock oval, and a leather covered Silver's recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .616 inches and measured .617/.618 inches; choke constriction .007/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.026 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 1 5/8 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; slight 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/casehardened/gold

Serial Number26904

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent, retaining 98% original blue and casehardened finishes, 95% original gold finish with the loss on the action pins, and light handling evidence. There is a thin crack between the bottom of the right lockplate and trigger plate; otherwise, the wood is very fine with a few light handling marks, some rub wear on the recoil pad toe, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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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