Good study so far!!

OK, here is what I saw with the listing.

1. A late 1940's serialed Woodward BLE (W&S Propritary)--- BV1

1 1/2. W&S Proptitary --- OQ6 (mid-grade BLE)

2. Barrels have been cut behind chokes --- ding

3. Broad rib with 2 3/4" chambers and large action --- fowler/pigeon

4. Best engraving --- better than usual but not best --- small kaching

5. Very slight traces of CCH --- CC4 (maybe?)

6. Better than usual stock --- OQ5 1/2-CC3 1/2 --- kaching

BV1-OQ5 1/2-CC3 1/2 = $4,400

BUT what about those cut barrels? Somewhere between BV1-OQ5 1/2-CC7 or 8 = $1,600 or $1,000. Auction estimate lines up pretty well. So, I did my due diligence. Purdey's own the Woodward records and kindly confirmed it was a 30" barreled pigeon gun, bought-in in the white from W&S and sold Oct. of 1946 (that is relatively modern). Holt's confirmed the stock and engraving were better than usual, the action was sound, and the gun didn't appear to have been shot excessively. Previous research on my part showed this was the only boxlock pigeon Woodward ever made.

Intangibles. I have a modest collection of Woodwards and a substantial virtual collection of Woodwards. I suspect a mid-weight "pigeonish" gun would suit me nicely. I'm a collector-shooter and have a modest bias against non-OE guns.

Should I buy it with the understanding I will most likely need to sleeve it?

DDA




Last edited by Rocketman; 04/06/18 10:52 PM.