A Cased .400 (60 Bore) Percussion Double Barrelled Sporting Rifle by J. Purdey, 314 1/2 Oxford Street, London. No. 4247 for 1847.

With browned damascus twist sighted barrels signed in full along the rib, recessed at the muzzle and each rifled with ten spiral grooves, folding leaf back-sights from 50 to 200 yards, each leaf with central platinum line. Border engraved breeches each with short platinum line and platinum plug engraved with a rosette, the flat between engraved with symmetrical foliate scrollwork, tang engraved with scrolling foliage, signed border engraved serial numbered detented flat locks each decorated with foliate scrollwork. Dolphin hammers en suite and each with safety-catch in front. Figured half-stock with cheek-piece, chequered grip and forend, border engraved steel mounts comprising chequered butt plate engraved CHARGE over 2 dms No. 6 Powder on the heel and with foliate scrollwork along the tang. Serial numbered trigger-guard with chequered spur and decorated en suite within a border of repeated flowering foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with slender foliate scroll engraved finial. Finged circular patch-box cover decorated with a circular design of featherwork centred on a flower head, grooved triggers, and original brass-mounted ramrod.

In a relined and refitted brass-mounted oak case with some accessories including a Hawksley white-metal mounted powder flask with bag shaped body covered in black leather, polished brass bullet mould, and Ken Steggles brass bar-capper, screwdriver. The exterior of the lid with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, the front now with brass drop handle. London proof marks and barrelsmiths mark of Thomas Evans. Barrel length 75cm, overall length 116cm.

Literature: L. Patrick Unsworth, The Early Purdeys, 1996, p. 160. Recorded as sold on 27 September 1847. Unsworth notes New pair of 70 bore barrels fitted Sept. 1871, regulated with increased charge of powder and hollow ball - £35.0.0. Hardened work cleaned, softened, engraving re-touched and re-hardened; furniture blued, stock remade off and re chequered and done up as new - £3.10.0d. Pr. of Hammers - £3.10.0. The rifle was offered at auction in 1981 and said to be smooth-bored and re-stocked in India. It was re-offered in 1983 and then described as a rifle.