This gun was originally completed in 1923 according to Donald Dallas' "Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History" and was subsequently masterfully upgraded by world renowned Master Engraver Philippe Grifnee who adorned this fine gun with gorgeous scrollwork and gold inlays. The gun has blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is signed "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID PRESSED STEEL" along with a "1" star inlaid at the base and a single gold band at the breech. The barrels (tube Nos. 22248/49) are 26 inches and show period London proof marks for 16 gauge. The barrels are fitted to the brushed bright finished Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action which displays extensive beautifully cut floral scroll engraving surrounding gold "J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON" signatures on either side, flourishes of relief gold inlaid floral bouquets, leaves over a gold filled background on the fences and toplever, and a trio of relief gold inlaid game scenes. The game scenes consist of a pair of mallards coming to land on a pond on the left lockplate, a pointing dog on the underside, and a trio of quail in flight in a forest on the right lockplate. Grifnee has signed his work "PH. GRIFNEE" on the triggerplate to the right of the triggers. The gun features bushed firing pins, clipped fences, hidden third fastener, cocking indicators on either lockplate, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety with a stylized gold "SAFE" indicator. The gun is fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved and gold flourish on the forend iron as well as a straight hand stock with teardrop carved drop points, and a checkered bare butt. Included are two extra matching numbered barrel sets, both with the same 20 gauge proofs and chamber but bored to 16 gauge. The barrels with a gold "2" on the rib (tube Nos. 38538/39) are 26 inches and the barrels with a gold star on the rib (tube Nos. 54275/76) are 30 inches. Also included is an oak and leather flat case with Purdey label that houses the gun and two barrel sets, a spare set of strikers, cleaning tools, and an oil pot. Barrel measurements for set "1" (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .663/.662 inches; choke constriction .000/.000 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.031 inches. Barrel measurements for set "2" (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .665/.667 inches; choke constriction .010/.009 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.029 inches. Barrel and stock measurements for the star marked set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .668/.666 inches; choke constriction .026/.031 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.033 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 15 1/8 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 4 oz.

Exceptionally fine as upgraded by Master Engraver Philippe Grifnee, retaining 99% blue, brushed bright, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence. The wood is very fine with a slight gap at the upper right finger, a few minor marks, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and the extra barrel sets are very fine. A great opportunity to own a gun engraved by one of the most decorated engravers of his time!