WB Barratt, 48 High St, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire.
28 bore Back action, Hammergun.
no. 5099
Date of manufacture: 1877-78

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Heritage Guns' Comment

This very sweet little 28g was originally built as a 20g but when it came to us its barrels were in a parlous state and sleeving was the only viable solution. Given its diminutive size, it seemed a perfect candidate for a 'drop-gauge' project and hence its rebirth as a 28g.
The use of the Purdey Thumblever opening system is very rare in small gauges, needing a substantial closing spring, and this feature makes this a rare and interesting gun.
Its freshly nitro proofed 29" barrels give this little gun a high degree of usability and 'point-ability' and it cries out for use on clays or game.

WE REGRET THAT THIS GUN IS NOW SOLD. IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A SIMILAR GUN, PLEASE CONTACT US.

The action is of Purdey's design and features:
Thumblever operating a double under-bolt;
Double triggers;
'Percussion' fences;
Back action Stanton locks;
Rebounding medium height hammers;
Long top strap
and Deeley forend catch.
Gun weight 5lb 8oz
Engraving style Foliate Scroll.
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3 lbs Rear trigger 3 ¾ lbs
The TIG sleeved Damascus to Steel barrels are 29" in length, chambered for 2 3/4" (70mm) cartridges and are of brazed 'dovetail' lump construction with soft soldered ribs.
Top rib is of the smooth, concave, game type.
London proof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 2014.

Approximate barrel measurements at date of publication:

 
Nominal Proof Size
Bore Diameter 9" from Breech
Minimum Wall Thickness
Choke Constriction
Right Barrel
14.0mm (0.551")
0.549"
0.027"
0.021" (Full)
Left Barrel
14.0mm (0.551")
0.549"
0.029"
0.020" (IM)

Straight Hand Stock and Splinter Forend are crafted from highly figured walnut. We suspect that the stock and forend wood is the original. The stock is cast-off for a right-handed shot, features a vacant white metal oval and is finished with engraved heel and toe plates secured with engraved screws.
Highly Figured walnut

The 20 lines per inch chequering has been freshened to a normal backaction sidelock pattern.
The forend carries a horn tip.
The stock is finished with a traditional linseed oil based preparation as used on best guns by one of the top English makers. This finish uses no grain fillers to achieve its deep, smooth lustre, only many hours of alternate build and flatting off of the surface.

Approximate stock measurements at date of publication:

Pull to Heel
Pull to Bump
Pull to Centre
Pull to Toe
14 1/2"
14 5/8"
14 5/8"
15 1/8"
Drop at Comb
Drop at Face
Drop at Heel
1 1/2"
1 5/8"
2"
Cast-on at Comb
Cast-on at Heel
Negligible
3/8" (approximate)

For the purposes of these measurements, 'Drop at Face' is the 'drop' measurement taken on a line perpendicular to the
line joining the trigger and centre of the butt at approximately 8" from the trigger (front trigger on a double trigger gun).

Patents Exhibited include:
'Purdey Bolt' patent no. 1104 of 1863;
Stanton's rebounding lock patent no. 367 of 1867;
Deeley's forend fastener patent no. 1422 of 1873.