Very Early Purdey Side by Side Shotgun Converted to Percussion by Trulock & Sons (AS54)

Purdey records do not list any information for this very early gun (SN 284), nor is it listed or noted in The Early Purdeys, by L. Patrick Unsworth. However, records do exist for 279, 285, 286, etc. with spotty information thereafter. The first percussion Purdey gun dates from around the time of this gun (1821). It appears, however, that this gun was originally made as a flintlock and was fitted with Wyatt patent grip safety and safety lever. It presently has 30" Skelp twist barrels with slightly raised rib engraved "J. Purdey Princes Strt. Leicester Square London". Bottoms of barrels are stamped with London black powder proofs, serial number (284), and "CL" (Charles Lancaster barrel forger, who supplied most tubes to Purdeys in their early years.). An ebony ramrod with brass tip is held by two plain pipes. Non-vented breech plugs have scroll filed fences. Matching bolsters have been added to barrels. Breech iron is of later type with integral fences. On Purdey flintlocks and early percussion guns, fences were part of the lockplates. It is generally believed that Purdeys were the first to move fences to breech irons, with earliest known gun so equipped was number 584 (ca 1824). Lockplates with early style flat faced hammers, are engraved "Trulock & Son" and it appears that the plates were replaced at the time of conversion, but with internal mechanism retained. Bridles are still pierced for rear bearing for a pivoting safety lever which engaged a notch on the bottom edge of the cock to prevent accidental discharge while loading, as was part of Wyatt's patent. Present lockplates do not have corresponding pivot hole for this lever, nor do they appear to be plugged. Trigger plate with stylized pineapple finial is fitted with grip safety which locks triggers until squeezed, and is the other part of the patent. Breech iron and locks are engraved with some well cut scroll. Safety lever is engraved in differing scroll that matches trigger guard bow. "Patent" is on central ribbon. What is most likely original Purdey stock measures 14 - 1/4" over engraved steel buttplate with long top spur. Stock is of dense stump figured European walnut and has point pattern checkering wrapping around grip. A vacant silver rectangle is at top of grip. Stock attaches to barrels with captive side bolt through oval silver escutcheons. CONDITION: Fine, as refurbished. Barrels retain nearly all of a dramatic re-brown. Other metal parts are mottled silvery gray, perhaps with traces of color where protected. Hammers are temper blued. Stock retains most of what appears to be an old french polish refinish with oil added as maintenance, with numerous light marks and scratches. Checkering is lightly worn. Bores are fine, shiny, but lightly frosted. Locks are excellent. Grip safety works. There are only 24 earlier Purdeys than this one either listed in records or known to Unsworth in 1999