Holt’s to auction Purdey Action sidelock shotgun

Holt’s Auctioneers is selling a rare 12-bore Purdey-action self-opening sidelock ejector made in 1908 by top London gunmaker Boss & Co.

Holt’s Auctioneers’ Chris Beaumont commented, “It’s not unusual to encounter guns of certain designs being sold under a variety of names – but it is only on very rare occasions we come across examples of best makers signature designs being used by contemporary makers with their own very distinctive signature designs. One can only presume they come about from a strong loyalty to a particular maker but with a desire for the particular characteristics of a rival maker’s composition – and an equal desire for a maker to retain that loyalty by acquiescing to the clients wishes, even to the extent of re-badging a competitor’s wares.”

The gun comes with extra barrels and original Whitworth-steel 30in. nitro chopperlump barrels, rib engraved 'BOSS & CO. 73 ST. JAMES'S STREET. LONDON.' and gold-inlaid '1' at the breech end, tubes engraved 'SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S PRESSED FLUID STEEL', 2.5in chambers, bored approx. true cylinder in both, rib slightly loose, right wall at 18; extra 28in unsigned nitro barrels (by another), 2.5in chambers, bored approximately imp. cylinder and 1/2 choke; self-opening action with removable striker discs, toplever gold-inlaid '1', gold-inlaid cocking-indicators, best fine acanthus scroll engraving with floral bouquets, retaining traces of original colour-hardening, 14 3/8in figured stock, weight 6lb 7oz (original barrels) and 6lb 9oz (extra barrels), in a brass-cornered oak and leather case with provision for the 30in barrels only, the extra 28in barrels in a canvas leg of mutton slip.

The gun has an estimate £7,000-9,000 and Holt’s Auctioneers’ next auction in London is on Thursday 16th March.