JAMES PURDEY BEST DOUBLE RIFLE IN .300 H&H MAG WITH CASE AND FACTORY LETTER

JAMES PURDEY BEST DOUBLE RIFLE IN .300 H&H MAG WITH CASE AND FACTORY LETTER

23-4915
Cal. 300 H&H
S# 22719

According to Purdey factory letter this rifle was finished in 1925 and shipped to Manton & Son, Calcutta. Its original caliber was .246 Purdey. Factory records indicate only 13 double rifles were made in this caliber. During the 1970’s & 80’s a large number of British double rifles were exported from India. At the time .246 ammunition was very hard to come by so most of these rifles were rebored to available calibers; as is the case with this rifle. It was converted to .300 H&H magnum rimless. Bottoms of the 25 1/2″ chopper lump barrels are engraved “Rebored by” J. Roberts & Son, London. Barrel flats stamped with remnants of original London .246 proofs and 1981 London reproofs for .300 magnum 2.85″ case at 18.5 tons (.300 H&H). Each ejector is fitted with half moon type rimless extractor blade. Barrels are fitted with wide stippled quarter rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight and turret type front scope base along with rear dovetail for QD type rings. A small silver bead is in matching stippled ramp.

Broad mid rib is engraved “J. Purdey & Sons. Audley House. South Audley Street, London. Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid Pressed Steel”. Bottoms of barrels stamped with S# and barrel maker’s initials “GA” (G. Aston). Tube numbers “2835” & “2836” are on loop. (These are very early numbers and the Victorian era barrel maker, G. Aston is not listed in 1912. It is likely that left over barrel sets were utilized in making the 13 rifles in the “new” .246 proprietary cartridge introduced in 1923). Barrels are fitted with sling loop in soldered on base. Case hardened Beesley patent self opening sidelock action features automatic bolted safety (“SAFE” & “BOLTED” are inlaid in gold). Sliding third fastener, side clips, bushed strikers, reinforcing bolsters, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, Wem ejector system and double triggers. A seldom seen feature is the folding ghost ring aperture sight made integral with top lever pivot screw. Action engraved with near full coverage Purdey house style small scroll and rose bouquets. Maker’s name is on each lockplate and bottom of action over “London”. S# is on blued trigger guard tang which extends to engraved steel grip cap. Pistol grip buttstock of lightly streaked and slightly fiddle figured European walnut measures 14 1/4″ over silver type pad. Stock features classic drop points, point pattern grip checkering with sweep to back line; a sling loop and vacant silver oval are on toeline. Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has Edwardian era actioner’s initials “A.F.” (Alf Fullalove) on iron.

DAH: approx. 2 3/4″. DAC: approx. 1 15/16″. CAST: neutral. LOP: 14 1/4″. WEIGHT: 9 lb. 7oz. without scope.

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: rifle is fitted with Zeiss Divari-Z 1.5-6X 30mm rail scope with 3 post reticle. ERA type swing off QD mounts (Rear with windage) are installed. Rifle and scope are housed in what appears to be their original oak and leather case with brass corners and central medallion. Interior is lined in burgundy cloth and a small paper Purdey label is in lid. Bottom compartment has been refitted to accept scope and contains Purdey marked square oil bottle, ebony handled striker key, carrying strap, brass snap caps, bone striker bottle with one spare striker, and relatively new cleaning kit. Paperwork includes: Purdey factory letter, J. Roberts email & ledger page.

STATUS: CURIO