George Bird Evans Purdey & A H Fox 12 gauges
 

Does anyone know what happened to these upon George’s passing in 1998.

Purdey serial number 21390 (1915)

A H Fox, purchased in 1927 for $42.50 (1927 or before), unknown serial number (does anyone know this serial number?)

the guns went to members of the Old Hemlock family - I can only speak to the journey of the Purdey after that but I think both the Fox and his last gun - a little AYA were passed along as well.

GBE had made a lot of alterations to the Purdey stock due to his rotator cuff injuries late in life and lack of mobility and it was nicely restored - I have handled it since the restoration and it looked nearly as good as new. it has changed hand a couple times since his passing, and it been a few years now since I have been back to Old Hemlock and the reunions, but the Purdey was still cared for the last I saw it

Do we know if both or only one of Dr. Norris' Purdeys were bequeathed to GBE? And if only one went to him, do we know what happened to the other?






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At Dr Norris’ passing George was offered his choice of one of three guns, There were, if I remember correctly (I’ll check later). Two Purdeys and a Churchill

He chose the “little Purdey” two barrel set

The remaining guns stayed with the Norris family and I have no idea whether they were kept or sold

The price of a Sterlingworth dropped to $36.50 in 1926 when the Godshalks moved the A.H. Fox Gun Co. into the new, more efficient, factory.

Attachment 124456

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That remained the price until June 21, 1932, when Savage upped the price to #39.50.

and he traded in his 20ga Sterlingworth as part of the deal

Norris' other Purdey, his woodcock gun, was discussed on forums lately. It was sold in Maryland several years ago and is "in the wind". The seller, the consignee and probably the buyer, did not know the provenance.

Do we know the serial number of Norris’ “woodcock gun” Purdey?





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It was never discussed in Norris's or GBE's books. I discussed this gun with Dean when I found it. Unfortunately, it got away from me and, as far as I know, it is in the wind at this time.

Dean and I probably discussed this gun too long. I decided to bite the bullet after our conversations, but unfortunately it was sold. I don't know the source of the GBE gun being described as "the little Purdey" because it was a horse compared to the woodcock gun. The missing woodcock gun would be correctly described as "the little Purdey".