I got these guns about 10 or so years ago, they were lying at the time in storage at Purdey's. The owner of the guns was going through a divorce and had asked Purdey to sell them for him, but they had done nothing about it. On his request, I went down to Purdey and asked to see the guns, Peter Blaine showed them to me along with a pair of Boss 16g side lever guns and a pair of Boss 20g  round action guns all owned by the same gentleman, my visit promptly reminded Blaine about the guns, "Oh, I really must do something about these"
I walked out onto South Audley Street, called the owner and gave him a price for the 7 guns, we haggled a bit and the offer was soon agreed and accepted. I walked back into the shop as he called, spoke to Blaine and released the guns to me, which they did, bemused! Â I walked off with them, stolen, as it were, from right under their eyes!
neil mcveigh on February 2, 2015 at 7:14 am
Simon,silly question really but I have to ask.Surely you could have sold these guns on a number of occasions either separately or together.Do you think they should be retained as a triplicate or sold individually(assuming the price is right)?I have a sentimental view about matched pairs etc.I believe they should be kept together rather than separated.
Which probably explains why I am a useless retailer.
Simon Clode on February 2, 2015 at 3:02 pm
I think they should definitely stay together as a triplicate, 100% for sure. I agree whole heartedly that it would be sacrilege to break the set up. I haven't actually tried to sell them, but, if I do it will be 3 or 0.
I am quite sure I would be first to join you in the 'useless retailer' category also! We stocked your falling block with a plain piece of wood first to make sure it looks right and get the shape perfect. I will get 'useless manufacturer award also"! But the rifle will look great!
neil mcveigh on February 3, 2015 at 3:13 am
Simon you're teasing me! Hope the show in Vegas is a great success for you and you're team.As I won't be there this year,perhaps an odd little posting on Explora will keep us informed.
Sami on February 3, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Moral of the story; DON'T get married!