It's Not a Double, But.....

[Researcher]

Schultze and E.C. were both bulk smokeless powders and should be given in drams. One conversion table I have from an old UMC catalog shows 47 grains of Schultze being between 3 1/4 and 3 1/2 drams. The 37 grains of E.C. would be quite light, between 2 1/2 and 2 3/4 drams, but well before this gun was made in 1928, E.C. became New E.C. Improved, a product of Hercules Powder Company. Such "specified loads" were on the way out by the time this Purdey was made, with most North American trap loads becoming "dram equiv." with DuPont M.X. or Hercules Red Dot.

[Double Lab]

Dave, you are truly amazing.

[Mike Franzen]

What year was it made?

[Researcher]

What year was it made?

The letter says completed 25 September 1928. Just in time to use Western's then new Lubaloy Super-Trap Loads --

Super-Trap Lubaloy shells RECORD case 01.jpg

According to Western's advertising they were used to win the 1928 GAH and the first I see them appearing in Western's February 1, 1929 price list.

[Bill Murphy]

Depending on the brand of shot and the year it was dropped, the #6 loads are in the very high 80s for percentage. Of course, we don't know the range or the diameter of the pattern circle. The proof is in shooting the gun. 90% patterns in a 30" circle at 40 yards are not unheard of.

[John Davis]

Well, I guess I'll just have to pattern her.

[Researcher]

Are those #6 British #6 or U.S. Tatham? Are the Leader #7 U.S. Winchester shells?

According to the Hallowell & Co. chart, U.S. #7 and British #6 are both .10" and 291 per ounce. According to other charts I have U.S. #7 go 299 per ounce and the one on Vintage Outdoors says 300.

[Bill Murphy]

What a great gun, John. Is there any information about what that gun sold for in 1928?

[Researcher]

My 1929 Stoeger catalog lists the Purdey Single Barrel Trap at $750. Of course the real price should be in Guineas.

[Setter Man]

On the subject of engraving there is Purdeys traditional rose and scroll and then there is every other gun made.