William Evans From Purdey 12 Ga. SxS Shotgun Engraved Side by Side, 63 Pall Mall, London

Make: William Evans
Model: Side by Side
Serial Number: 6198
Year of Manufacture: Likely early 1900s. The shop at 63 Pall Mall was establish in 1896 but this shotgun is “Nitro Proofed” so likely early 1900s. If you can help us date this shotgun more accurately we would appreciate the help.
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Side by side, Lever Actuated Top Break Shotgun.
Markings: The receiver is marked “6198” on both sides of the water table and on the lower tang. There are two crown over “V” proofs on the water table. Both side locks are marked “William Evans, / From. Purdey’s, / London.”. The forend metal is also marked “6198”. The top of the barrels is marked “William Evans (From Purdey’s) 63 Pall Mall St. James London”. The bottom of the barrels are marked “6198” on the rounded portion and “Nitro Proof 1 1/8 Oz. Maximum 12C” in a diamond, and three proofs and the number “12” on each barrel. In addition, the right barrel is marked “Imported by Cape Outfitter, Cape Girrard, Mo.”.
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a full length trough rib with silver bead at the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are very nicely figured, European straight wrist with checkering. The checkering is a little smooth but is functional. There are no cracks or losses. There are a few minor surface dings at the back of the forend, and a few more on the left side of the buttstock behind the receiver. There are just a few minor handling marks on the buttstock. The LOP measures approx. 15” from the front trigger to the back of the wood buttplate.. The stocks rate in about Very Good plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Re-finished
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Chokes: R: .726″, L: .716″.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some discoloration and light surface erosion on the water table, and light surface erosion on some of the engraving on both sides of the lock. There is evidence of pitting under the blue in a couple of places on the bottom of the barrels. The forend show minor surface erosion as well. The engraving is very detailed and very fine. There is cleaning pitting on the left side of the receiver behind the barrel. There is case color present on the inside of forend metal. The Screw heads are sharp and undamaged. The markings are present but a little shallow in a few places. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: William Evans once worked for Purdeys, and Holland and Holland, and established a shop at 63 Pall Mall in 1896. Consequently, he marked his guns “William Evans From Purdey’s”. This was a great marketing ploy and this company is still in business today. This shotgun is of “best” quality and is very handsome. This is a quality built London gun from “Pall Mall” street and shows “Nitro” proofs. This will make a fine addition to your upland game bird shotgun collection.

Sold For: $3,202.97

William Evans From Purdey 12 Ga. SxS Shotgun Engraved Side by Side, 63 Pall Mall, London
William Evans From Purdey 12 Ga. SxS Shotgun Engraved Side by Side, 63 Pall Mall, London