This gun was completed in 1885 according to page 194 of Donald Dallas' "Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History". The gun has fluid steel barrels featuring a single brass bead sight on the smooth concave game 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 "2", flourish of scroll at the breech, period London proof marks and 1977 dated reproof marks on the flats, and 2 1/2 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrels are fitted to the Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action which displays near full coverage classic Purdey rose & scroll engraving surrounding "J. PURDEY & SONS." signatures on either lockplate and "PURDEY'S/PATENT" on the underside with carved Accanthus leaf fences. The gun features double triggers, raised rib cocking indicators, bushed firing pins, hidden third fastener, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. The gun is fitted with a lightly figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved forend iron and a beautifully figured straight hand stock with teardrop carved drop points, blank inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Includes a period oak and leather takedown case. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .736 inches; choke constriction .020/.025 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.020 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 9 oz.

Very fine as professionally refurbished, retaining 98% re-blacked finish, attractive silver coloration on the action body and lockplates, minor handling evidence, and some dried grease. There is a small crack at the behind the top tang and bottom of the stock head at the right side; otherwise, the wood is also very fine as refurbished with a few marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with transit wear and an absent strap.