For sale, on consignment, a splendid example of a James Purdey & Sons Jones underlever hammerless, self-opening non-ejector double rifle in the Purdey proprietary cartridge .450/400 2 7/8” BPE in excellent refurbished condition.

Purdey’s records show the rifle was completed in April 1893, before being sold to Arthur Anderson of 43 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London in September 1893.

Unfortunately, Mr Anderson passed away before he could take delivery of the rifle and it was subsequently re-sold to Major Charles Goldmann (26 April 1868 – 7 April 1958) in March 1896, who we understand gifted the rifle to Mr Henry Charles Hull (21 November 1860 – 9 October 1932).

Goldmann and Hull were Co-Directors of the Buffledorn Estate Gold Mining Company in South Africa. Goldmann, after his involvement as a war correspondent with the British Forces in the Second Anglo Boer War, returned to Britain and became an MP before becoming a rancher in British Columbia, Canada.

Hull became an MP in South Africa – later becoming the South African Minister for Finance.

Lock

Hammerless, side-lock non-ejector
Firm Jones underlever with Beasley patent self-opening mechanism
Action with third grip and side clips
Apted’s patent safety* - a desirable feature to prevent the unpleasant experience of a double, simultaneous discharge
Arrow cocking indicators
Crisp twin triggers
Bright coin and black finish with classic fine Purdey rose and scroll engraving to side and under plates, lever and trigger guard

*Apted’s patent intercepting safety on sears and triggers was/is an anti-doubling mechanism – a swinging arm fitted between the two trigger blades, pivoting on the trigger plate. As one trigger is pulled up, the arm presses down on the other trigger blade, thus preventing both triggers from being pulled simultaneously.

Stock

Well figured walnut stock with pistol grip and right-hand cheek piece – appears to have be-finished
Fine chequer with tear-drops
Length of pull to the centre is 15” [38cm] including 1” recoil pad and ebonite spacer
Walnut splinter forend with firm Anson push rod catch
Vacant gold [varnished] escutcheon
Sling swivel

Barrels

Sound re-blacked 28” [71cm] Sir Joseph Whitworth Fluid Pressure Steel side by side barrels chambered for .450/400 2 7/8” BP
Blade foresight with platinum bead
Solid, raised matt rib engraved “J Purdey & Sons, Audley House, South Audley Street, London Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid Pressure Steel” – some loss of definition to engraving
London Proof House marks show the rifle was proven for 400 EX black powder
Two leaf – one standing and one folding - rear sights regulated for 100 and 200 yards with platinum centre lines
Sling swivel
Bright, clean bores with sharp, defined rifling

The rifle comes in its original oak and leather case – displaying wear commensurate with age and – including Purdey proprietary bullet manufacturing/loading accessories.

The case features its period correct Purdey Trade Label and Charge Card, which states: -

Charge for rifle No 14667 450-400

Powder: 3 ½ drams Curtis & Harvey No 6
Wading: Thin card and greased felt
Bullet: Eley’s papered small hollow
Cartridge Case: 2 7/8 450.400


This rifle presents in excellent, refurbished condition – with minor, cosmetic storage and handling marks commensurate with age.

Price plus shipping and transfer – as required.

While the rifle is currently registered in Victoria, this black powder, obsolete calibre does not require registration in most States.

Inspection welcome at Andrew Hepner Fine Guns, Geelong, Victoria.