Experts agree that J. Purdey & Sons Ltd is probably the finest manufacturer of double barrel shotguns in the world. Virtually all of their shotguns and bolt action rifles are made on a special order basis only. This particular matched pair of side by side shotguns was completed in 1888 for A.R. Blackwood according to information provided by the consignor. Both shotguns have 30" barrels, 2 1/2" chambers, choked modified/modified on this gun and improved modified/improved modified on gun "B", with extractors. The barrels, trigger guard and break lever are blue with casehardened frame, locks and forearm hardware. The frame, side locks, trigger guard, break lever and forearm hardware are engraved with fine English scrollwork. Each lock is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS" and the bottom of the frame is marked "PURDEY'S / PATENT". The breech end of "A" is marked "1" and "B" "2". The top of the ribs are marked "J. PURDEY & SONS AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET LONDON MADE OF SIR JOSEPH PRESSED STEEL". Each barrel set is numbered to it's respective gun and the flats are marked with various English proof marks. Polished double triggers, cocking indicators, tang mounted safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" and mounted with checkered extra fancy English walnut splinter forearm and straight grip stock with tear drop flats, solid leather recoil pad and silver initial oval. The set is complete in a oak and leather case with brass corner protector, leather straps and handle and circular brass plaque mounted on the outside of the lid. The case is lined with wine colored velvet. There are three leather labels affixed to the inside of the lid, one is stats on this shotgun, Purdey & Sons label and opening instructions. In the case are a brass tool with female threads and wooden handle, a brass and metal screwdriver with wooden handle, a brass oiler, four snap caps, cleaning tools, and a three piece wood and brass cleaning rod. Length of pull is 14 5/8" on "A" and 14 3/4" on "B".

Near mint as professionally refurbished with nearly all of the blue and casehardened finishes remaining, and only light storage/handling marks. The wood is excellent with a few minor dings and handling marks. The checkering remains sharp. The rib marking is fading, but readable. Mechanically excellent.

Described in "A".

Near mint as professionally refurbished with nearly all of the blue and casehardened finishes remaining, and only light storage/handling marks. The wood is excellent with a few minor dings and handling marks. The checkering remains sharp. The rib marking is fading, but readable. Mechanically excellent. The case shows some minor scuffs and dents on the exterior and the interior is near mint, as are all of the accessories.