Here’s a dream I used to have all the time: I would stop into some out-of-the-way gunshop in some small town, and there I would find an old, unloved high-grade Lefever or Purdey sitting behind the counter.
Here’s the online version of that fantasy — with a twist. This Purdey & Sons London Side by Side 12 gauge is on Gunbroker.com now. It looks like the seller knows nothing about it. Plus, he hasn’t set a reserve. So what’s the twist: he’s selling it as-is. Plus, he’s not saying anything about the gun’s condition. And his pics stink. So, is it worth the risk?
From what I can see, the gun could be pretty original. It appears to be a standard, best-quality game gun. The patina looks right for a 100+-year-old gun that has been used but not abused. The screw heads look OK, so I don’t think some knucklehead has been messing with the action and locks. But the problem is everything I can’t see: the thickness of the bbl walls, the chamber lengths, the bore measurements, and how the bbls fit on the action.
If those are all good, this gun could be a deal. But if the bbls have issues, or if this gun has any major problems, it could be a money pit looking for a fool to fall in. Here’s all the information the seller is telling us about the gun:
J. Purdey & Sons
Side by Side
12 Gauge Shotgun
Serial No. 20220
Matching Numbers – Extractors
Made in London
This J P Purdey & Sons wears its patina well.
As in all of these auctions, we will let the pictures tell the tale.
NO RESERVE
SOLD AS IS – NO RETURNS
* DogsandDoubles.com is a not a gun dealer. We do not sell firearms. This listing is from Gunbroker.com. It has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. The seller has provided all the information. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and all specifications of the listed item. Dogs and Doubles recommends you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.
