James Purdey & Sons is among the top firms in the world of fine arms creating some of the finest guns in the world with a history stretching back over 200 years. They have never wavered in their pursuit of perfection with each and every gun to leave their shop being a work of art. This consecutive trio of small bore guns is a testament to the exceptional quality that is achieved by the firm and is truly a rarity to have available for sale to at public auction. Each of the three guns is built with blued steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the narrow matted solid rib which is marked with a gold "1", "2", or "3" at the base for each gun's respective place in the set. All three guns bear 1998 dated London proof marks on the flats, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors, and "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." marked on the left side of each upper barrel. Gun "3" is equipped with interchangeable choke tubes while the other two are fixed and guns "1" and "2" both have a set of extra barrels in .410 bore with 3 inch chambers. The guns all feature an exquisite brush bright finished action with masterfully cut extensive broad leafy floral scrollwork with "J. PURDEY & SONS" banners on either side and a beautifully cut game bird scene on the underside of the action showing off the skill and range of the engraver. Gun "1" displays a pair of doves in flight over a field with trees behind, gun "2" shows a pair of quail in flight in a desert with cacti and a windmill, and gun "3" has a pair of woodcock taking off from a tree over a field. All three scenes were executed in exceptional detail by the hand of highly renowned Master Engraver Simon Coggan who has signed each of the guns on the triggerplate. The scrollwork extends to the fences, the toplever which is marked with a gold "1", "2", or "3", and both the upper and lower tangs which bear the serial number in gold. The guns feature single gold triggers, gold centerlined cocking indicators, right hand rolled triggerguards, and tang mounted automatic safeties with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicators. All three have beautiful highly figured and double line bordered multi-point checkered forends with matching engraved bright fittings including the push button release and pistol grip stocks with teardrop carved drop points, ebony grip caps, gold inscription ovals marked "S.R.M.", and engraved bright heel and toeplates around the checkered bare butt. Included is an extra 28 inch .410 barrel set with a gold inlaid "1" at the base of the rib. Also included is a fine oak & leather takedown case that houses the entire set along with three oilers, two cleaning rods, and a pair of .410 Bore snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at 14.0mm (.551 inches) and measured .552/.553 inches; choke constriction .025/.027 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 1 oz.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence, some discoloration along the sides of the receiver in the recessed areas, and some scratches below the forend. The wood is also excellent with only a few very minor marks and sharp checkering. The case is very fine with some lightening of the leather on the top of the lid beneath the canvas cover. Extra barrel set is excellent. Mechanically excellent.

As described in "A" with the addition of a 28 inch .410 bore barrel set with a gold inlaid "2" at the base of the rib. Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at 14.0mm (.551 inches) and measured .551/.553 inches; choke constriction .025/.026 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 2 oz.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with minor handling evidence and only some slight discoloration on the coin finished action. The wood is also excellent with a few tiny scratches, a few small pressure marks at the comb, and sharp checkering. The extra barrel set is excellent. Mechanically excellent.

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (U/O): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed and measured at 14.0mm (.551 inches); interchangeable chokes (none installed); 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 1 oz.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with only minor handling evidence and tiny areas of discoloration on the coined action. The wood is also excellent with a few minor scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An incredible opportunity to own three guns from one of the best gunmakers and engravers in the world without the multi-year wait!