William Evans From Purdey's, 63 Pall Mall, St James's, London
28 bore Bar Action Hammergun
no. 2083
Date of manufacture: 1889

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Heritage Guns' Comment

This is a lovely example of a small bore hammergun from this highly respected gunmaker. Made towards the end of the hammergun's heyday, it was probably bought for a young person or as the plaything of a lady or elderly person. Although it originated from P Webley's workshops (the forend tip bears his stamp internally), it was most likely finished in London with finely executed engraving and lovely wood.
We are informed that the gun was sleeved and refurbished by the Makers in 2007. Although on consignment, we have stripped, cleaned, checked the regulation, lubricated and rebuilt the gun and are pleased to say that nothing untoward was discovered.
With its delightful 'C Scroll' hammers, stepped locks and excellent barrel dimensions, this gun would make a very safe and classy target or game gun for the discerning shooter.

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

The action is of traditional hammergun design and features:
Toplever working a 'Purdey Bolt' by way of Greener type lever work;
Passive 'Dolls Head' top extension;
Double trigger;
Rebounding bar action locks;
Bushed striker holes;
Sprung strikers;
Percussion fences;
Rounded action bar
and Hackett's snap forend catch.
This gun can be opened with the RH hammer cocked.
Gun weight 5lb
Engraving style Best foliate scroll.
Trigger pulls measure approximately: Front trigger 3lbs Rear trigger 4lbs.
The TIG sleeved steel barrels are 27" 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 reproof for 70mm nitro powder cartridges in 2007.

Approximate barrel measurements at date of publication:

 
Nominal Proof Size
Bore Diameter 9" from Breech
Minimum Wall Thickness
Choke Constriction
Right Barrel
14.1 (0.555")
0.554"
0.038"
0.009" (Mod)
Left Barrel
14.1 (0.555")
0.555"
0.040"
0.013" (Mod)

Straight Hand Stock and Splinter Forend are crafted from well figured walnut. The forend has two inlet repairs to its edge. The stock features a vacant white metal oval, a well matched 2" wood extension and the forend an engraved steel tip. The butt is chequered.
Well Figured walnut

The 20 approx. lines per inch chequering is cut to a normal sidelock pattern.
The stock was originally finished with a traditional linseed oil formula and we have applied a few addition coats.

Approximate stock measurements at date of publication:

Pull to Heel
Pull to Bump
Pull to Centre
Pull to Toe
14"
14 1/8"
14 1/8"
14 1/2"
Drop at Comb
Drop at Face
Drop at Heel
1 1/2"
1 5/8"
2 1/8"
Cast-off at Comb
Cast-off at Heel
1/8" (approximate)
1/4" (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:
Stanton's rebounding lock patent no. 367 of 1867,
'Purdey Bolt' patent no. 1104 of 1863,
Hackett forend fastener patent no. 964 of 1878.