This beautiful gun was originally ordered by Norman R. Blank in the 1960s and was not completed and delivered until the 1980s as detailed in the included documentation. A letter from Master Engraver Ken C. Hunt to Norman R. Blank dated October 16, 1986, is included indicating Blank made payment to Hunt directly for the engraving and that work had begun back in 1965 when Blank sent images of sculptures for the basis of the work but then years passed without commencing the work. In that interlude, Hunt's skill only increased, and he wrote that the "results are 3 times the quality you would have had earlier. I think this is one of the best works I have ever done and from comments of others, it makes me feel quite proud." He delivered the gun to Purdeys on July 14th, 1986, and it was then finished and ultimately shipped to Blank. The certificate for this gun being awarded the gold medal at the first Gold Medal Concours d'Elegance for Fine Guns in 2001 is included. The gun was completed with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted flat solid rib, "J. PURDEY & SONS." and "AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND." signed on the left and right tubes respectively, correct London proof marks on the flats, a band of engraving at the breech, and 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. The chokes are marked as "60%"/"75%" on the left and right respectively, indicating the percentage of shot on target when firing at a 30 inch round at 40 yards, which when written out would be equivalent to modified and full chokes. The barrels are fitted to the coin finished Beesley patent self-opening side clipped sidelock action which displays exceptionally well-executed deep relief engraving featuring detailed classical scenes and details relating to the Greco-Roman mythology of the sea, including Venus on a scallop shell drawn from the famous painting "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli on the underside and further scenes on each lock, and a young triton holding a banner with the signature "J. PURDEY & SONS" on the front of each lock plate. The gun is signed three times: "Sculpted by Ken C. Hunt" between the fences and "K. C. HUNT" on the right lock plate at the lower edge of the scene, and "K.C. HUNT 86" on the left lock plate at the lower edge for world renowned English Master Engraver Ken Hunt who carried out the work on this fantastic piece of firearms art. The gun features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. The gun is fitted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and an Anson button release and a stunning highly figured straight grip stock with tear drop carved drop points, "N.R.B." (Norman R. Blank) along with a flourish of scroll engraved on the gold oval, and a checkered bare butt. Included is a second matching numbered 28 inch 12 gauge barrel set with chokes marked as "56%"/"65%" (improved cylinder/improved modified) on the lumps as well as 3 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. Also included is a wood and canvas trunk style takedown case with "N.R.B." on the lid, that houses the gun with both barrel sets along with a trio of turnscrews and an assortment of cleaning and maintenance tools. Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .731/.728 inches; choke constriction .008/.019 inches; minimum wall thickness .038/.036 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .731/.729 inches; choke constriction .017/.040 inches; minimum wall thickness .037/.033 inches; 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 15 9/16 inch length of pull; cast-on; weight 6 lbs. 13 oz. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original blue finish with slight wear at the muzzle, 99% original coin finish, minor handling evidence, a few small scratches on the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with storage and transit wear. The extra barrel set is excellent with some light wear. This is a great opportunity to own a masterwork from Ken C. Hunt, one of the 20th century's finest masters!