Per the data shown in "The Early Purdeys" by L. Patrick Unsworth, this early percussion double barrel shotgun was manufactured c. 1838. It is setup as a ball gun for hunting big game and has smoothbore Damascus barrels outfitted with a bead style blade front sight and three leaf rear sight (70 standing, 100 and 150 folding) with platinum sight lines. The flat rib is signed "J. PURDEY.314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON." The breechplugs have platinum bands and plugs and light engraving. The standing breech has a big cat mask and scroll engraving. The locks are each signed "PURDEY" below the sliding safeties and have scroll engraving, twisted rope borders, a reposed stag on the right, and a tiger on the left. The gun features a single set right trigger and a plain left trigger. The trigger guard and furniture feature scroll and floral engraving. The trigger guard tang has the serial number. A round cap/patch box is set in the right side of the stock which has a checkered wrist, shadowline cheekpiece, checkered steel buttplate, and 14 1/4 inch length of pull. The gun comes in a takedown case with a Purdey trade label insider and a variety of loading and maintenance tools, including an "IMPROVED No. 14" ball mold and a powder flask.

Very fine with much of the older rebrowned finish remaining on the barrels which display attractive Damascus patterns, 60% original blue finish on the trigger guard, 70% of the lightly faded but distinct original case colors on the locks and furniture, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has distinct checkering, minor edge wear, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good with mild age and storage related wear, including some cracks visible in the case lid.