This pair was completed circa 1874 according to page 193 of Donald Dallas' "Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History." The set has browned Damascus steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is signed with the Purdey address (very faint on gun "A") and a "1" or "2" respectively, period London black powder proof marks, and chambers measuring 2 1/2 inches with a single extractor. The barrels of each gun are fitted to a casehardened push forward underlever bar-in-wood action which displays handsome scroll engraving, "No. 1" or "No. 2" marked on the watertable, and "PURDEY" signed on the lockplates. Each gun features dual triggers as well as rebounding hammers. The guns are both fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings as well as a straight grip stock with tear drop carved flats, blank inscription oval, and a checkered bare butt. The included Norman R. Blank Collection note states "From J. D. Buchanan. Gift to me from Joyce Buchanan". Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .743/.742 inches; choke constriction .000/.000 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.026 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz.

Very good as refinished and restocked, retaining nearly all of the brown finish with some minor subsurface pits, nice Damascus patterns, some oxidation towards the muzzles, grey patina on the action with some dried grease, much of the blue finish on the triggerguard with some loss, chips and minor cracks in the wood, some scratches, and mostly crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.

As described in "A". Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech .744/.743 inches; choke constriction .000/.000 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.027 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 1 13/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 13 oz. Provenance: J.D. Buchanan; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fine as professionally refurbished with nearly all of the brown finish on the barrels, 95% of the case colors on the action, some oxidation towards the muzzles, and 98% of the blue finish on the triggerguard. The restocked wood shows a few cracks ahead of the triggerguard and repair by the right lock and has a few marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.