A couples friends of mine are crazy about muzzleloading Purdeys. Take a look at this one and you’ll see why.
James Purdey built 809 double-barrel percussion rifles. The first was sold in 1827 and the last — 32-bore back action for eccentric Scottish collector Charles Gordon — left Purdey’s in 1896.
According to the The Early Purdeys, this percussion rifle was sold by Purdey in August of 1847. It was a 50-bore (not a 50 caliber) with 27″ barrels.The JP marks on the underside of the barrels indicate that these barrels were forged by James Purdey (the firm), instead of being outsourced to barrel maker like Charles Lancaster (CL).
When this rifle was made, James Purdey had been running his own business for 31 years. Shotguns, rifles, and pistols like this built his reputation and established his firm as one of the top gunmakers in the UK.
J. Purdey, 314 1/2 Oxford Street, London, 50-bore Percussion SxS, 1847 vintage: Hammergun with stalking safeties. Scroll engraved furniture and lockplates. Barrel Inscribed ” J.Purdey. 314 1/2, Oxford Street, London”. Price: $19,999.99
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: 1848
Caliber: 50-bore
Metal Condition: Refreshed at sometime showing strong damascus brown patterns , Bluing worn on lower hardware.
Wood Condition: Shows a few dings and scratches
Barrels: 27 Inch
Triggers: Double Triggers
Stock: Straight Grip.
Stock Dimensions: 14 1/8″ LOP
Butt Pad: Blued Steel Plate
Weight: 6 Lbs 2 Ozs
Sights: Open Sights
