J. Purdey & Sons, a pair of 12-bore self-opening sidelock ejector shotguns, consecutive serial numbers 15342 & 15343, with rose and scroll engraving by Thomas Sanders, chambered for 2 1/2inch with 29inch barrels - the ribs engraved for the maker, and with figured walnut stocks and forends, the stocks with ebonised pads, 115cm in length overall, in a brass cornered, leather clad and oak lined gun case, late 19th century, red baize lined, the lid with applied paper label for James Purdey & Sons, Gun Makers, Audley House, South Audley St. London, W., LATE OF 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET, and with the Royal Warrants for Her Majesty The Queen and H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, 9cm x 85cm x 34cm, together with some accessories Provenance: Private collection, Wantage The makers have kindly confirmed that these guns were completed in July 1896 for a Captain Darby-Griffith. They note these were originally supplied with 30inch barrels but shortened to 29inches circa 1923. By 1923 these guns were in the possession of a Dr. E. T. Fisher. The 'Captain Darby-Griffith' mentioned in the Purdey records is presumed to be Captain Christopher William Darby-Griffith JP who The London Gazette noted retired as a Captain from the Grenadier Guards on 11th November 1896. He came from a prominent military family, his Grandfather was Major-General Matthew Chitty Darby Griffith of Padworth House, Berkshire. Similar examples of gun cases and labels are illustrated and described in the appendices of Donald Dallas, James Purdey & Sons, Gun & Rifle Makers, Two Hundred Years of Excellence, Quiller. The firm of James Purdey & Sons has operated from their current address in South Audley Street since their move from the address at 314 1/2 Oxford Street in 1882. In 2014 the company celebrated its bicentennial. Please note: these will only be released to persons carrying a valid shotgun licence for purposes of Section 2 of the Fire Arms Act 1968. Condition Report: No. 1: Small fillet of wood repair to stock, small finger nail size. No. 2: Small scratch to stock near ebonised end. The pull 14 3/8inch to both Wall Thickness: No. 1: RHB = 010021; LHB = 0.0022. No. 2: RHB 0.0020+; LHB 0.0025. Internal Bore: No. 1: RHB = .737; LHB: .736: No. 2: RHB .736; LHB .736. Some minute knocks, scratches and small historic rust spots (cleaned) commensurate with age and use. each 1/4 choke in both barrels. The case will need attention, new strap, work to hinge possibly. The case is possibly associated to the guns but is of a similar period. The book by Donald Dallas mentioned in the cataloguing makes it clear that the cases were never made by Purdey but were provided to the purchaser by the firm - there are often some quirks in design due to the wims of the purchaser, as such it is hard to always tell if these are later additions or alterations. It is missing its charge sheet which would have been serial numbered and would have categorically confirmed if this is the original case for these guns. Condition Report Disclaimer