A One-of-a-Kind Auction for a One-of-a-Kind Cause
Rock Island Auction Company, the world’s leading auction house for fine and historic firearms, is pleased to provide more than 30 years of industry experience to this noble endeavor. The Will Primos Purdey Collection will be offered during the company’s Premier Firearms Auction, December 5-7, 2025, in their state-of-the-art selling venue - and online - located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
The successful bidder at the auction may receive an income tax benefit to the extent that the purchase price exceeds the appraised value of the collection. Prospective bidders should consult their personal income tax advisors and contact Rock Island Auction Company for more additional details on the collection and auction process.
James Purdey & Sons is among the top fine arms firms in the world. This extraordinary, consecutively numbered, five gun set was commissioned by Mr. Primos in 2012 and was expertly hand made over the following decade. Chambered in .410 bore, 28, 20, 16 and 12 gauges, these Purdeys marry the style and elegance of the 19th century hammer gun, with the modern practices honed over centuries. This exclusive grouping is the only 5-caliber set of hammer guns that Purdey has ever produced and ever will.
These luxurious shotguns perfectly mate richly blued steel barrels with brush bright finished actions and highly figured walnut stocks. Master engraved English scrollwork accentuates the locks, while each action’s underside reveals its own distinct, beautifully executed and realistic game scene. Accompanying every one of the five gun set is a richly finished takedown case, filled with a full complement of accoutrements.
The Primos Collection | The .410
Never before made in company history, Purdey produced a single run of ten .410 bore hammer shotguns, with this the sole example to be consecutively numbered in a set. The .410 double ensures this is the only 5-caliber hammer gun set Purdey has ever produced and ever will. Master Engraver Paul Chung has embellished this tiny canvas with a superb woodland game scene of two doves. Production of a full-size double gun in .410 is an extraordinary exhibition of the gunmaker’s skill. Accompanied by oak & leather takedown case, full complement of Purdey accessories and choke tubes, plus original specification sheet from the maker.
The Primos Collection | The 12 Gauge
The classic. A perfect choice for trap, pheasant, chukar, quail and more. Blued barrels end in a brush bright action with wonderfully executed work by Master Engraver Paul Chung. Tight English scroll bestows a classic look, while the underside reveals pigeons in a vast desert landscape. Accompanied by oak & leather takedown case, full complement of Purdey accessories and choke tubes, and numerous extras for the buyer.
The Primos Collection | 16 Gauge
The perfect in-between. Those who know its versatility will always sing the praises of a 16. Blued steel barrels perfectly fitted to a brush bright action. Solid, concave rib ends in a single bead, with master engraving by Bradley Tallett. Meticulous English scroll tastefully graces the sides, fences and hammers, while the underside depicts three drake Mallards in flight above a marsh. Accompanied by oak & leather takedown case, full complement of Purdey accessories and choke tubes, plus original specification sheet from the maker.
The Primos Collection | The 20 Gauge
Many hunters top choice for upland birds and waterfowl: light, quick handling, and still fills limits. Blued steel, handsomely stocked, and a matching brush bright finish receiver. Master Engraver Paul Chung has signed his work of expertly executed English scroll and a game scene of two grouse - one aflight, the other perched in a birch tree. Accompanied by oak & leather takedown case, full complement of Purdey accessories and choke tubes, plus original specification sheet from the maker.
The Primos Collection | The 28 Gauge
This is one of the very few 28 gauge hammer ejector shotguns manufactured by James Purdey & Sons 200-plus history - a true prize for the discerning collector or sportsman. Blued steel and well figured walnut meet a brush bright finished action with masterfully cut English scrollwork by Master Engraver Paul Chung. The action’s underside depicts two Mearn’s quail in a scene alive with mountains, savanna, and clouds. Accompanied by oak & leather takedown case, full complement of Purdey accessories and choke tubes, plus original specification sheet from the maker.