Rating and value of Purdey rifles

If you own a Purdey rifle, and would like to know its value, as well as, if you don't know, the era and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services.

Our specialists will work to carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and will provide you with an accurate estimate of its value on the current market.

Then, should you wish to sell your property, we will direct you to the best possible device to obtain the optimum price.   

Rating and value of Purdey rifles

Purdey rifles are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the model and state of preservation.

Now, prices for these objects can rise considerably at the auctioneer's gavel. Buyers from all over the world are interested in the sale of certain rare pieces.

The price at which they are selling on the art market ranges from €450 to €27,000, at the moment, a consequent discrepancy but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons.

In 2018, a Purdey 12-gauge ejector over-and-under shotgun sold for €27,000, while it was estimated at €4,000 to €6,000. 

Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious

History of Purdey    

James Purdey & Sons was founded in London in 1814 by James Purdey, a former employee of Joseph Manton, a major figure in English gunsmithing. Purdey quickly made a name for itself for the exceptional quality of its rifles.

It combines elegance, precision and robustness, prized by the British and European aristocracy. The company quickly adopted the advances of the 19th century, such as rifled barrels, percussion rifles and then break-action systems with automatic ejection.

From 1838, Purdey supplied arms to the British royal family, definitively establishing its international prestige.

Victoria, Edward VII and Windsor were among its loyal customers. Each Purdey rifle is entirely hand-crafted, custom-made, with hand-engraved finishes, custom-made, with hand-engraved finishes, custom-made, with hand-engraved finishes, exceptional walnut grips, and extremely precise mechanical adjustment.

Purdey rifles therefore establish themselves as hunting weapons par excellence. Designed primarily for hunting game birds (notably pheasant or partridge), they are renowned for their perfect balance and shooting comfort.

Still active today, Purdey perpetuates a two-hundred-year-old tradition, a symbol of British luxury, with very limited production and order lead times of up to several years.

Today, they are among the most highly-rated rifles on the market, along with the fusils Granger, the fusils du Premier Empire and infantry rifles.

The evolution of Purdey rifle mechanisms

The first Purdey rifles were flintlock, then percussion weapons, which adopted the standards of their time with remarkable manufacturing care.

The firm also adopted the break-action mechanism early on (as early as the mid-19th century), for its double rifles, enabling rapid reloading and safe handling.

The opening system was also perfected : in 1863, James Purdey patented a top lever opening system, which quickly became a standard in British luxury gunsmithing.

In 1880, the company incorporated an automatic case ejection mechanism, a technical refinement that simplified reloading and improved rate of fire. The hammerless system was also developed for greater safety and aesthetics.

The double-trigger mechanism was refined, with Purdey maintaining this traditional use (one trigger per barrel) but optimizing the mechanism's flexibility and responsiveness, for unrivalled shooting comfort.

Purdey rifle mechanisms also evolve thanks to the triple lock : the " Purdey third bite " system, an additional central lock on the underside of the barrel enhances the weapon's solidity and longevity, especially that of powerful calibers.

Despite its fidelity to classic mechanisms, Purdey discreetly innovates in tradition, (improved steels, fits and materials), while maintaining 100% handcrafted and approved mechanical operation.

Edward VII is Purdey rifles

King Edward VII, known as a great hunting enthusiast, owned several Purdey rifles. Among his collection was a custom-made model with personalized engraving and a stock perfectly suited to his stout build.

During a hunt held at Sandringham in the early 20th century, Edward VII impressed the guests present by shooting down some twenty pheasants in a matter of minutes using his double-barreled shotgun.

The rapid shooting that took place was not only thanks to his skill, but also to the outstanding quality of the rifle's tilting mechanism and automatic ejection system.

Many witnesses, including foreign aristocrats and an Austrian ambassador, believed at the time that it was a semi-automatic rifle, so fluid was the rate of fire. This earned Purdey flattering publicity in aristocratic and diplomatic circles.

Shortly after this event, several leading European nobles ordered their own Purdey rifles, making the brand a symbol of distinction and efficiency throughout Europe.

The Sandringham episode remains a famous illustration of the trust placed by sovereigns in the House of Purdey, where luxury, technique and efficiency meet in a very British spirit.

Know the value of a Purdey rifle

If you happen to own a Purdey rifle, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, not forgetting to send you ad hoc information about it.

If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.