Heritage Guns' Comment

This lovely old hammergun, made by one of London’s smaller but highly respected gunmakers, is a fascinating example of how many guns moved through generations of family and social strata during their many decades of service. This particular gun was entrusted to me for restoration by the family that had owned it since new on the condition that they remained anonymous and that its history would be shared with the new owner. It is known that it served as the premier shotgun of the head of the house for at least two generation and was then turned over to the gamekeeper and so to his son when he succeeded him. When finally retired from service, it returned to the family gunroom and was left to collect dust at the back of a cupboard. It shows much honest wear from countless hours carried over the arm in all weathers but where protected, the quality still shines through. Three interesting details are that internally the action carries the Blanch name stamped in bold on the back of the action alongside the actioners name, Charles Drydon, the locks were neatly converted to ‘rebounding’ in the 1880’s and the Purdey patent use mark was engraved with the initials ‘PP’ not ‘JP’. All the internal parts carried the patina of the intervening years but this was only surface corrosion in the main and I have painstakingly polished all the parts before reassembly. The barrels have survived amazingly well: passed 2 ¾ “ nitro reproof in 2024 and the very fine damascus rebrowned beautifully. The ribs didn’t even need relaying! Also the superb, dark French walnut stock is in fine shape and we have refreshed the chequering to its original pattern. With its fascinating history, lovely wood and fine barrels, it would be a privilege to see the gun in action again with a new custodian for another generation or two. Presented in a canvas and leather trim case, relined with forest green baize, fitted with some accessories and a reproduction Maker’s label.

A wonderful, historic gun and a bargain at only £4495