According to the accompanying Purdey letter this rifle was completed in August of 1857 and sold to Sir H. Meux. The rifle is listed as having 30 inch barrels and a 32 bore double rifle. Double ivory bead sights on the replacement forward portion of the concave solid rib, which is marked on the original portion of the breech end of the rib, "J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET LONDON". The number "3" is marked on the breech end of the rib and on the upper tang. The breech plug, tang, hammers, side plates and trigger guard are lightly engraved with floral scroll designs. Each side plate is equipped with a sliding hammer safety. Mounted with a one-piece checkered walnut pistol grip half stock with a lightly engraved metal grip cap, cheekpiece, engraved patch box and steel checkered buttplate. Complete with a wooden ramrod with brass tip.

Fine as period repaired (see above). The barrels retain 80% original brown finish showing almost all of the Damascus pattern. The side plates and hammers show 70% original case colors with a smooth dark patina on the balance. The buttplate and patch box have a smooth mottled gray patina. The stock is very fine with a few minor dings and handling marks, and crisp checkering. The engraving and markings are clear. The action is excellent.