Six-bite O/U Hammerless

Sidelock Ejector

Original Oak & Leather Case w/Ebony Turn-screw set & cleaning accessories

Many Astounding pieces of Historical Provenance

Engraved Silver Presentation Plaque

14 1/4" LOP

The beautifully engraved plaque reads:

Rear Admiral Merrill was famous during WWII as commander of Task Force 39, leading American Naval Forces during the Soloman Islands Campaign.

Task Force 39 was comprised of Crusier Division 12 (CRUDIV 12) and Destroyer Squadron 23 - (The Little Beavers). The task force was know for their hard-driving nature, their precise use of artillery, and their overall success in the Pacific Theater.

Among many other achievements, during a night engagement against the Imperial Japanese Navy, Admiral Merrill was noted as the first US Navy officer to use radar in wartime.

Gun #23963

The Six-bite O/U Purdey

Harry Lawerence of James Purdey & Sons built the 1st Purdy over and under shotgun, #22564 in 1923. The design was based on the Edwinson Green of Cheltenham patents 8225 and 14951.

Only 27 Purdey over and unders were built from 1923 to 1939. Of theses, only two were 16 gauge guns. Due to the fact that few O/U guns had been built and tested in those days, Athol Purdey, head of the firm at the time, insisted on the six-bite locking system for safety. The guns built after Athol Purdey retired in 1930 were only four-bite.

Not one over and under purdey was built between 1940 and 1950. Purdey over and unders built after 1950 are the James Woodward & Sons design, as Purdey acquired the firm in 1948.

Gun #23963, the only 16 bore six-bite Purdey over and under hammerless ejector gun built, was completed in June 1930. The only other 16 bore was built later, and featured the four-bite system.

Gun #23963 was ordered by Abercorombie & Fitch for Mr. F.A. Ford. It was later sold to a group of U.S. Navy officers, one of whom was Arleigh "31 Knot" Burke, commander of Destroyer Squadron 23, known as "The Little Beavers". Gun #23963 was presented to Rear Admiral Aaron S. "Tip" Merrill by the officers of Task Force 39 after the war.

See transcript of silver plaque at LEFT