The ejector gun by J. Purdey and Sons (£6,000-8,000).
A 12 bore ejector gun by Purdey built for the Earl of Shannon comes up at Gavin Gardiner’s sale of modern and vintage sporting guns and rifles at Sotheby’s in London on December 1. J. Purdey and Sons have confirmed that the side lock gun No. 15503 was built in 1896 and replacement barrels were fitted in 1956. It is estimated at £6,000-8,000.
The first Earl of Shannon, a title created in 1756, was made Viscount Boyle of Bandon and Baron, Castle Martyr. He was succeeded by his son who was created Baron Carleton of York in 1786 which title gave him and later earls an automatic seat in the British House of Lords. The third earl served as Lord Lieutenant of County Cork and the fourth briefly represented Co. Cork in the House of Commons. The title is currently held by the ninth earl, a descendant both of the first Earl of Orrery and the first Earl of Cork.
UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £7,350