This rifle was completed in 1888 per the information on page 194 of Donald Dallas' "Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History" and was purchased by Norman R. Blank from Pasadena Gun Shop Inc. on October 10th, 1957. The rifle has blued barrels featuring a blade front sight, fixed notch rear sight with folding second leaf, front sling stud, period London black powder proof marks on the flats, and "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON." signed on the solid top rib. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened Jones Underlever sidelock action which has elaborate relief carved fences and is covered with fine classic Purdey bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding "J. PURDEY & SONS" signatures on either lockplate and "PURDEY'S/PATENT" on the underside. The rifle features bushed firing pins, cocking indicators, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety and bolted safety, both with gold inlaid indicators. The rifle is fitted with a figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and a pistol grip stock with casehardened and engraved grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, blank silver inscription oval, and a checkered steel buttplate which is inscribed "CHARGE/4 DRAMS No. 6 POWDER." Length of pull 14 3/8 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 95% blue finish and 50% case colors with some oxidation on the barrels towards the muzzles and at the breech, some silvering on the action on the underside, and crisp markings and engraving. The wood shows a few minor marks and has sharp re-cut checkering. Mechanically excellent.