rare, purdey, first model, under snap action, thumbhole lever

This high grade flintlock shotgun is something of an enigma and worthy of further research. The locks are engraved WALLACE and from their style and quality would appear to date around 1800 -1815. There is a silver escutcheon behind the barrel tang engraved with the clan Gordon crest which provides a Scottish connection which is further supported with the Wallace engraved lock which, considering the quality, was most likely made by James Wallace, an Edinburgh gunsmith who was in business from 1776 to 1841.

However, the 30 1/2 inch barrel was made by the famous Paris barrel maker Francois Ovid BLETTERIE (his makers mark is under the barrel at the breech and the barrel rib is engraved “BLETTERIE a Paris”. Bletterie is listed in Der Neue Stockel as being in business in Paris in 1762 which is consistent with period style of the Damascus twist barrel — 40 years earlier than the Wallace lock. In addition, all of the silver furniture is in the French style and period of the barrel and the butt plate has three French silver hallmarks which unfortunately are not clear enough to date. One thing for sure, there is a story with this period custom made shotgun with the clan Gordon connection worthy of further research.

oldguns.ca, virtual museum collection

A 12 bore, side by side, hammer action shotgun by James Adsett of Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, Serial No. 2347, 30 inch Damascus barrels with engine turned top rib bearing makers name and address, barrels have been reproofed, bright steel hammers and actions profusely decorated with rose and scrollwork, walnut stock and fore end with chequered grips and composite butt plated.  The gun was restored in England in the 1950’s and remains in very nice condition.

oldguns.ca, virtual museum collection.

description coming