A generous individual from this board has located for me a very nice self opening Purdey SxS 12 gauge with ejectors. The gun is from 1889 (13XXX serial number) and comes with a leather and oak case (not original to the gun). The gun has the original 2 1/2" chambers and original 29 1/2" barrels. The barrels have been measured to be .026 and .027 in thickness. The gun is on face (recently done) and is overall in very good condition. It has a checkered butt and has been used as a field gun. Price is a very firm $15,000.00 (other people want the gun)
I have always wanted a Purdey, H&H or a Boss with Purdey being my first choice. However, I cannot afford to spend much more than the $15K price. I realize at this price level I am bottom feeding but I think I have found a nice gun. Since I plan to use the gun for upland hunting this should be a great gun. Even if I could afford $80,000.00 for a mint condition Purdey I would only “ruin” the gun by using it for hunting and getting the gun marked up. This $80,000.00 gun would quickly become a $30,000.00 gun due to dents, marks, chips, etc. I am really excited about having found a nice old Purdey that I can use for upland hunting. The gun is being inspected by Alfred Gallifent next week. If the gun checks out I will be the new custodian for the gun.
What do you guys think of this gun? Does getting an older Purdey make sense; especially a gun from 1889? For $15K I can purchase lots of other guns but I thought having an English Best would be a nice show piece and keep its value. I seriously thought of getting a newer AH Fox for $15K but I like the English guns much better.
I would be interested in hearing everyone’s comments. Pics are available if someone can help me post them.
Ken
