Henry Rifle Forums

Here is my 1887 J. Purdey & Sons Sidelock SxS in 12 bore. It was completed on June 25, 1887, S/N 12571, number 2 of a pair destined for two London attorneys.

Between June 25, 1887 and September 24, 1917 it was sold to Captain George Cornwallis West (British Army). He had brought the shotgun to Audley House (Purdey shop) to have auto ejectors installed, have the double trigger replaced with a single trigger, and have it choked skeet/skeet.

The interesting part about Captain George Cornwallis West is the fact that he married Jennie Jerome Churchill, Winston Churchill’s mother. The funny part about this is that West was only 16 days older than Winston. Sometimes an archive letter & shop notes divulges interesting information.

Here’s some pics…..

That’s one incredible shotgun. Love the provenance included. What beautiful figure in the wood and such fine engraving. Thanks for sharing the pics and I love the Colt collector line in your signature.

Hatchdog wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 26, 2025 11:39 am

That’s one incredible shotgun. Love the provenance included. What beautiful figure in the wood and such fine engraving. Thanks for sharing the pics and I love the Colt collector line in your signature.

Thank you. The signature is a re-worked quote from Hunter S. Thompson as it pertained to the music industry.

Another beauty. Thanks again for sharing.

RP

The old guns show the love of the gunmakers.