Make: James Purdey & Sons

Model: Sidelock Hammerless Consecutive Matched Pair 1 and 2

Serial Numbers: 16227 and 16228

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1898 / Antique

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 1/2" Chambers

Action Type: Sidelock, Break-Action Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotguns with Split Ejectors and Dual Triggers

Barrel Length: 30" (Each)

Choke: Left: Modified .020, Right: Cylinder .000, Both Fixed (Each Gun)

Sights / Optics: Each shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the front of the rib.

Weight:

No. 1 (S/N 16227): 6 lb., 9.8 oz.

No. 2 (S/N 16228): 6 lb., 7.8 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks on both guns are two-piece checkered select walnut with splinter forends, straight wrists, straight combs, silver initial-plates in the bellies, and checkered wood butts. No.1 has a checkered wood buttplate. Both exhibit right-hand cast. The stocks show light handling wear with scattered compressions consistent with careful storage. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering remains well defined. Length of pull measures 14 1/4" and 13 1/2" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the butt on each gun. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2" and drop at heel approximately 2 1/8". Overall, the stocks on both shotguns rate in Excellent condition as restored antiques.

Type of Finish: Blued & Bright

Finish Originality: Restored

Bore Condition: The bores in both shotguns are bright. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 8 to 9 out of 10 for each gun.

Overall Condition: Each shotgun retains approximately 99% of its restored metal finish. The bluing remains strong and complete throughout both sets of barrels. The receivers have been polished bright, showcasing crisp rose-and-scroll engraving. There are scattered minor marks and infrequent light oxidation consistent with age. The screw heads remain sharp and the markings are clear. Gun No. 2 (S/N 16228) has a small dent at the top corner of the rib and right barrel muzzle. Overall, this matched pair rates in Excellent restored antique condition.

Mechanics: The actions on both shotguns function correctly including ejectors. Each features dual triggers and split ejectors. The barrels lock up tightly with no play to the receivers. We have not fired these shotguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Comes with a set of side-by-side genuine leather handguards.

Our Assessment: Crafted circa 1898 by James Purdey & Sons of London, this extraordinary matched pair represents the pinnacle of the English best gun tradition. Founded in 1816, Purdey established a standard of refinement and mechanical excellence that defined London gunmaking through the golden age of driven shooting. Consecutive serial numbers 16227 and 16228 confirm their status as a true pair, built to be carried and fired together in the field. The elegant proportions, bright-polished action bodies, and finely cut rose-and-scroll engraving reflect the disciplined artistry and hand craftsmanship for which the London trade is renowned.

Both guns exhibit beautifully figured select walnut with classic straight-hand stocks, splinter forends, and checkered wood butts that speak to late Victorian sporting fashion. The handling characteristics remain lively and balanced, with each gun weighing well under seven pounds, ideal for upland or driven game. Their consistent dimensions and nearly identical specifications reinforce their identity as a purposeful matched set rather than coincidental companions.

A matched pair of Purdey sidelock ejectors from the 19th century represents not only mechanical excellence but also social history, recalling an era when driven shoots, country estates, and formal sporting tradition defined the height of British sporting culture. This pair retains exceptional aesthetic presence with strong restored finish and crisp engraving throughout. This set will enhance even the finest collection.