The name Purdey has always been a standout in the fine arms trade as they create some of the finest guns in the world. This gun was manufactured circa 1920 according to Donald Dallas's "Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History". The gun features blued steel chopper lump barrels with dual brass bead sights on the matted flat solid rib, "J. PURDEY & SONS" and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." marked on the left and right tubes respectively, import mark on left tube under the forend, and London proofs showing 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to a highly attractive coin finished sidelock action which is engraved with expertly executed broad leafy floral scrollwork over a nicely contrasting matted background, relief carved oak leaves on the fences, and visually pleasing contrast created by the mix of polished and nitre blued action pins. Nestled into the fine scrollwork are "J. PURDEY & SONS." signatures on either lockplate as well as "J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON/-ENGLAND-" on the underside of the action. The gun features bushed firing pins, cocking indicators on either lockplate, right hand rolled triggerguard, dual triggers with articulated front, and manual tang mounted safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". The wood is beautifully figured and multi-point checkered consisting of a beavertail forend with a combination of blued and coined fittings all with matched engraving and a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank gold inscription oval, and a leather wrapped recoil pad. The gun is accompanied by an added set of 27 inch barrels remarked "22209A" and with 2 3/4 inch chambers. Also included is a modern oak & leather takedown case with Purdey trade label and containing a set of cleaning tools and a set of nickel snap caps. Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .734/.734 inches; choke constriction .000/.001 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.033 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .734/.733 inches; choke constriction .023/.041 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.031 inches; 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 1 15/16 inch drop at heel; 14 15/16 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 11 oz.

Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 99% blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence, some plum coloration on the forend release, and a few small patches of discoloration along the barrel rib. The wood is also very fine with a few minor marks, some scuffing on the recoil pad, and sharp checkering. The extra barrel set is very fine. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent. Don't miss this chance to own a beautiful piece from the golden age of English gunmaking!