PURDEY EXTRA-FINISH 12 Ga – LETTER, HARRY KELL ENGRAVED

1956 PURDEY DOCUMENTED SELF-OPENING GUN IN SUPERB ORIGINAL CONDITION WITH CASE. The 27″ chopper lump barrels are fitted with Churchill style matted rib and retain 98% factory blue with a few light handling marks, London proofed for 2 3/4″ heavy 1 ¼ ounce loads. Barrels are stamped with maker’s initials “G.W” (George Wood). Action retains 98.5% factory case colors and features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, cocking indicators, and crisp double triggers. Action is engraved with full coverage open foliate style scroll with shaded background, as originated by, and in this case executed by, the revered Harry Kell (per factory specs).  Fences are full relief carved in oak leaf and acorn motif, as usually found in this “extra finish” pattern. Nicely marbled, striking stump/fiddleback figured European walnut English grip stock measures 14 1/4″ over FACTORY SPECIFIED Purdey leather covered pad. Gold initials “M V B” are inlet on the toe line. Actioner’s initials “M.T” (Maurice Timbers) are on iron.  Stock maker is W. O’brien.  Maker’s leather motor case is embossed “M. V. B.” on lid. Interior is lined in purple cloth, has gold embossed black leather Purdey label with charge card for this gun in lid. Purdey marked square oil bottle, a horn handled striker key tool, pull through 12 ga. cleaning kit, two-piece rosewood and brass cleaning rod with mops and jag, and a 1929 dated Purdey Guns instruction booklet are included. Purdey specified leather covered pad has been replaced by VFI with a new Purdey style leather covered pad, as the factory original pad was worn and hard.  Bores are perfect, action is tight with barrels on face and tight on hinge pin like a new gun. Ejectors are in time. Case straps and handle are solid.  To have this gun built today would cost well over $150,000.00.  Weighing 6 ½ pounds and balanced perfectly 1/8” forward of the hinge pin, this EXTRA FINISH PURDEY IS THE EPITOME OF THE FINEST UPLAND GUN IN THE WORLD.  Tune up on the clays course, then pursue grouse, pheasant, and your favorite game this fall. This Purdey is set for any shooting sport you may encounter with 9 Briley thin wall screw-in chokes, offering the ultimate in versatility. UNLIKE MANY BRITISH GUNS OFFERED FOR SALE, THIS GUN IS CHAMBERED AND PROOFED FOR MODERN 2 ¾” HEAVY FIELD LOADS THAT ARE READILY AVAILABLE.  Finding 2 ½” shells today is nearly impossible. If you are like me, the standard Purdey rose and scroll engraving is unexciting.  Harry Kell’s artful hand makes this Purdey stand out.  Don’t miss out on this very affordable Purdey Extra Finish gun!  See specs below.  Thanks for looking.