Completed in 1991. This huge Purdey double rifle is a gorgeous example of Purdey's dedication to creating some of the finest guns and rifles in the world, a pursuit that they have chased for over 200 years. This long lineage of fine gunmaking has seen many changes from flintlock into the modern era, always at the forefront of modern technology and style. These .600 Nitro rifles are exceedingly rare, and per Purdey, reportedly fewer than 20 of these magnificent rifles were produced in their history. This .600 Nitro is as powerful as it is rare and beautiful, with the power needed to lay low any query on the planet, and look good doing it. This rifle was built with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a blade front sight with flip-up moon bead and Purdey's unique two-piece clamshell sight protector, two-leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight on the matted rear quarter rib, chambers with automatic ejectors, and the front sling swivel. The barrels are signed "J. Purdey & Sons." and "London - England" to the right and left of the quarter rib respectively, ".600 Nitro Express" on the sunken portion of the rib, and bears 1988 dated London nitro proof marks on the flats. The barrels are fitted to the massive brush bright finished bolstered sideclipped Beesley self-opening sidelock action with third fastener. The action is adorned with fantastic deeply cut floral scroll engraving interspersed with numerous elephant heads showing the scrollwork erupting from their trumpeting trunks all over a fine darkened background to create contrast. The engraving surrounds "J. Purdey & Sons" signature banners on either lockplate, deeply carved fences displaying the same motif, "600/NITRO" in gold on the triggerguard, and the serial number in gold on the lower tang. The engraving is signed "Rashid El Hadi 90"on the left lockplate as well as on the triggerplate for the master engraver of that name who completed this fine work of art in 1990. The rifle features bushed firing pins, a right hand rolled triggerguard, double triggers, raised rib cocking indicators on the lockplates, bolted safety with gold inlaid indicators on the extended top tang. The rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured and double border multi-point checkered forend with matching scroll engraved brushed bright forend iron including the Anson button release. The stock is of the same gorgeous figure and features the same checkering, an engraved brushed bright trapdoor grip cap, a shadowline cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, blank gold inscription oval, and brushed bright and engraved skeleton buttplate around the checkered bare butt. Included is a lovely oak and elephant hide takedown case lined in red baize and containing a full compliment of cleaning tools, turnscrews, snap caps, and an oiler. A gorgeous case to match this outstanding rifle. The makers have confirmed that this outstanding rifle was completed in 1991 and also confirms the current barrel length, caliber (listed as choke), stock length, weight, skeleton buttplate, gold inscription oval, "old silver" finish, and large scroll and scenes engraved by Master Engraver R. L. Hadi. Length of pull 14 3/4 inches. Weight 15 lbs. 1 oz. Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and brushed bright finishes with minor handling evidence, some spots of dried grease on the action, a few minor marks on the wood, and sharp fine checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. A great opportunity to own a highly attractive sought after example of a .600 Nitro Express, perfect for your next elephant hunt!