We are drawn to collect vintage guns for myriad reasons. They may be inanimate objects, but some guns have something ineffable—stories that hold memories and convey character. One gun, in particular, has caught our eye at Morphy Auctions’ upcoming Firearms and Militaria Auction, to be held online and in person at the famed auction house in Denver, Pennsylvania, September 10 to 12.
The gun is a James Purdey & Sons 12-bore that was made in 1934 for Louise Bell (shown here), the wife of General Mills founder James Ford Bell. The Bells were avid bird hunters, having owned Mardreland Plantation, in Thomasville, Georgia, and most of the north shore of the Delta Marsh, in Manitoba, Canada. In 1911 James Bell founded the Delta Waterfowl Foundation for the study and conservation of waterfowl.
According to Jeremy Hatch, Firearms Specialist for Morphy’s: “The Bell Family’s profound impact on both waterfowl conservation and traditional plantation-style quail hunting is supported by this rare and classic Purdey self-opening sidelock, custom built for Louise. The gun offers the perfect balance of a lightweight 12-bore chambered for 2" cartridges at a remarkably lithe 5 pounds 5 ounces.”
The self-opening sidelock ejector, has 26" chopper-lump barrels, cocking indicators, a single non-selective trigger, and a case-colored action engraved with Purdey house rose & scroll. With an estimate of $15,000 to $25,000, Louise Bell’s lightweight Purdey becomes a unique contribution to a collection—or a reason to start one.
The upcoming three-day auction also will feature the collection of Cal Pappas, noted author and double-rifle enthusiast, along with a selection of fine sporting arms. For more information, visit morphyauctions.com.
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