Purdey single shot sidelock made for the Marchioness of Breadalbane (of Blackmount fame)
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J. PURDEY & SONS
A RARE 7X57R ROTARY-UNDERLEVER SINGLE-BARRELLED SELF-OPENING SIDELOCK NON-EJECTOR SPORTING RIFLE, serial no. 16880,
26in. London nitro reproved lined barrel (originally in .303 calibre) with solid raised partially matted top rib, engraved 'J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID-PRESSED STEEL', open sights and folding leaf sight marked for 100 and 200 yards and with white metal-inlaid sight lines, ramped bead fore-sight with flip-up moonsight, the breech end mounted with a Swarovski Habicht 3-9x36A Nova telescopic sight in later quickly-detachable mounts, self-opening treble-grip action with sprung underlever, removable striker disc, fences finely carved in high relief in Barre style with stylised acanthus on a stippled background, automatic bolted safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' and 'BOLTED' details, right hand lockplate with arrow cocking-indicator with pinless dummy lockplate on the left, best fine floral bouquet and acanthus scroll engraving, retaining slight traces of original colour-hardening with some reblued finish, 14 5/8in. well-figured replacement pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, engraved steel pistolgrip-cap, sling swivels and engraved steel heel and toe-plates, weight 9lb. 7oz., in its brass-mounted oak and leather case

Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was originally completed in .303 calibre, 'with 26in. Whitworth steel barrel, lever over guard, opening third grip to action and eyes for sling, detonating scroll engraved'. The rifle was completed in 1900 for Marchioness Breadalbane.
The Purdey trade label in the lid of the case has 'Lady Breadalbane' inscribed in pencil at the top left corner.

Lady Alma Imogen Carlotta Leonore Graham, born in 1854 as the youngest daughter of James Graham, 4th Duke of Montrose married Gavin Campbell, 1st Marquess of Breadalbane KG, PC, JP, DL, Seventh Earl of Breadalbane and Holland in 1872 to become the Marchioness Breadalbane. She died in 1932, ten years after the death of her husband. The marquessate of Breadalbane became extinct following his death. His Scottish titles, the Earl of Breadalbane and Holland continued until 1995, when the tenth Earl died childless and the title became dormant.

Other Notes: The proof marks on the barrel would indicate that in 1953 the rifle was converted to .22 Hornet and that subsequently, in 1993 it was lined with a Bohler Rasant steel insert in its current 7x57R calibre and reproved at the London proofhouse.

Estimate Ł18,000-22,000

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