Manufactured in 1953, this side lock Purdey & Sons shotgun features blue barrels, break lever and trigger guard and casehardened frame and locks. There are two ivory bead sights on the matte rib, marked "J. PURDEY & SONS" on the left barrel and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND". The chopper lump barrels are chamber 2 3/4",choked improved cylinder/modified with ejectors. The flats are marked with the various gauge and proof markings. The action, locks, trigger guard and break lever feature fine English scroll with rose bouquet engraving, the locks are marked "J. PURDEY & SONS." and the bottom of the frame is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS / LONDON / ENGLAND". Self opening action with hidden third fastener, side clips, cocking indicators, double triggers and automatic tang mounted safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Mounted with an extra fancy, nicely figured English walnut checkered beaver tail forearm with scroll and rose engraved hardware and straight grip stock with tear drop flats, leather wrapped Silvers recoil pad and gold inset letters "JKE" on the underside. The length of pull is 14 1/2". Complete in an original oak and leather takedown case with brass corner protectors and hardware, leather handle, and outer canvas cover with a large leather patch embossed "J. K. E.", leather ends and straps. The outside of the lid has a brass disk and the black embossed letters "J. K. E.". The interior is lined with maroon felt with leather Purdey & Sons label and paper dimensions label affixed to the inside of the lid. In the case is a brown leather sling, nickel snap caps and oiler, two piece rosewood and brass cleaning rod and bore mop. Lock. Maroon wool interior with a gold letter maker's label in the lid. Accessories include a brass capped glass oil bottle, ebony handle turn screw and brass shell extraction tool. The accompanying factory letter dated August 12, 1997 verifies the completion date of January, 1953, third grip and clip sides, ivory bead sights, barrel length, matte rib, chokes and chambers, original weight of 7Ibs 1 oz., fine scroll engraving, length of pull and silvers leather covered recoil pad.

Near new with a couple of tiny dings on the muzzle end of the right barrel, otherwise only the slightest overall handling marks. The case is excellent. The canvas cover is good with some heavy wear in the area of the handle and a couple of tears. Accessories are excellent.