If you’re buying a gun from one of the great gunmakers, you’re not only buying a fine example of the art of gunsmithery, but a piece of history. Even when you buy a new gun from the likes of Purdey, you’re buying part of the story that runs from the late 1800s to today - the next chapter, as it were. But if you buy something from the Heritage Collection you’re buying something that already has a history - something from an early chapter in the book, to overstretch the metaphor. This is why people like vintage clothes or antiques - timeless style blended with the character that can only be gained through usage and love.
The Heritage Collection from Purdey consists of pre-owned shotguns and rifles that have been checked over by the company’s expert gunsmiths to ensure that they’re in good condition. Here are a few that are currently available that caught my eye.
Pair of Purdey side-by-side 12 bore shotguns - £110,000
This pair of game guns was completed in 1974 but are described as "virtually unused". The action-bodies feature Purdey's large scroll pattern, and the fences are decorated with carved oak leaves. The beaded trigger-guards are signed by the engraver, Geoffrey Casbard, who apprenticed under Harry Kell. Fitted with recoil pads, the stocks are 15 ⅛" and highly figured, while the 28" have a game rib.
Purdey over-and-under 12 bore shotgun - £130,000
Made in 2008, this game gun is an example of Purdey’s classic over-and-under. Smith-engraved, the ultra-round action-body’s deep scrolling is highlighted with bird and animal heads and features gold-inlaid cocking indicators. The pistol-grip stock has stunning figuring and an engraved pistolgrip-cap. The gun comes with a brass-mounted oak and leather case. Weighing 7lb 6 ½ oz, the gun has a 15 ⅝” stock and 28” barrels and 2 ¾” chambers.
Pair of Purdey side-by-side 12 bore shotguns
This pair of side-by-sides were completed in 1997 and have seen very little use. The large scroll pattern was finely engraved by Brad Tallett, and the cocking indicators and maker’s name is picked out in inlaid gold. Nearly all of the hardening colour remains, and the fences feature carved oak leaves and acorns. The 15 ¼” straight-hand stocks are highly figured, while the 28” barrels have improved cylinder and ¼ chokes and game ribs.
Two pairs of Purdey over-and-under 12 bore shotguns
This quartet of guns consists of a pair of single trigger over-and-under skeet guns and a pair of similar trap guns. Engraved by Ken Hunt with a bold scroll, they feature scenes of skeet and trap shooters respectively, in gold inlay on the lockplates and underside.
The highly-figured pistolgrip stocks have ebonite grip-caps and leather-covered recoil pads. The trap guns have 30” barrels, and weigh 8lb 8oz, while the skeet guns have 26” barrels and weigh 7lb 13oz. Both pairs come in their brass-mounted oak and leather case, complete with accessories.
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