Purdey donated for gunmaker’s charity

1400_1-700After the sale in October of Purdey No. 208 to benefit the Gunmakers’ Company Charitable Trust (Giving Back to Gunmaking), now comes a chance to own an absolute icon from the maker, with the entire proceeds to benefit the same fund for young apprentices.

Purdey No. 22078 will be auctioned as Lot 1400 at Holt’s December 8 sale. Contributed by an anonymous donor, the “between the wars” self-opening, sidelock side-by-side is estimated to fetch in the range of $12,605 to $18,908 based on today’s currency rates. Holt’s will forego all fees and premiums so that the entire proceeds will go to the Charitable Trust.

From a press release on the sale:

The donor commented: “I have had a lifetime of shooting, and this is my way of giving something back to the trade. The successful continuation of trade is very important to me.”

Since 1637, The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers has worked to ensure the safety of firearms and to promote the craft and technology of gunmaking. In 2003 The Gunmakers’ Company Charitable Trust was established to support training in gunmaking skills. Apprentice gunmakers are supported by The Trust with bursaries of £5,000 a year, usually for three years each. These bursaries are critical to overcoming the initial economic obstacles to bringing new recruits into gunmaking.                  —Ed Carroll

 


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