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J. Purdey & Sons 28g Hammerless Ejector Over & Under Gun with carving, gold inlays, and engraving by K.C. Hunt.

Completed in 1962 and based on the Woodward patent, this small-bore o/u has a scaled frame, color hardened action body and lock plates all fully carved in a fantasy pattern of vine & leaf interwoven to make one of Hunt’s signature grotesque faces on the bottom of the action. In addition, there are 9 gold birds, 3 quail, 3 doves, and 3 ducks decorating the bottom of the action and each lock plate. Moreover, the steel butt plate is also fully carved of a duck lighting into a marsh, cleverly incorporating the same vine and leaf motif on the action. Gold wild roses adorn the gun’s detonation or breech balls and at the barrel’s breeches. The Maker’s name is also in gold and inlayed in old English script. Ribbed cocking indicators are charcoal blue, and “SAFE” is in gold, just in front of the safety button that is also carved into face with the same vine and leaf that is interlaced throughout the engraving, is clutched in its teeth. Single trigger is swept for a right-hand shooter.

Gun includes the original high comb cheekpiece with original owner’s initials inlayed in the stock with a stylized “W” also inlaid on the right side of the stock.

The gun is currently fitted with a nicely figured new Turkish walnut stock by CSMC with a traditionally shaped comb, drop points, expertly cut point pattern Purdey style checking, full pistol grip, extended guard tang (also fully carved in the same vine and leaf), sculpted horn grip cap, and original carved steel butt plate, with a blank stock oval. As was most popular in the era this gun was made and complementary to the original high-comb stock, the gun is also fitted with a beavertail forend with a pushrod release.

The 26” demi-block barrels are fitted with the Maker’s original raised and ventilated rib, have 2 ¾" chambers, are choked Cylinder/.012”, with original double beads on the rib.

Gun remains in superb condition.

A strikingly rare Purdey 28g Over & Under with a very fine example of the groundbreaking style of engraving that contributes to Ken Hunt’s fame.

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