Manufactured circa 1981, this side lock Purdey & Sons shotgun features blue barrels, and coin finish remaining parts. There is a single bead sight on the matte solid rib. Marked "J. PURDEY & SONS" on the left barrel and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND" on the right. The barrels have 3 1/2inch chambers, screw in choke system (unknown choke installed) and ejectors. The flats are marked with the gauge, chamber depth, "776", "4TONS" and a British proofmark. The underside of each barrel is marked with the matching serial number and "GRIFFIN & HOWE INC NY" in the center. The action, locks, trigger guard, forearm hardware and break lever feature a floral leaf vine design, with relief engraved leafs on the fences and finely detailed ducks and geese in marsh scenes on each lock. The locks have gold inlaid "J. PURDEY & SONS." and the bottom of the frame gold inlaid "J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON-ENGLAND". The serial number on the lower tang is gold inlaid (#7 gold is absent). Self opening action with hidden third fastener, side clips, cocking indicators, single trigger and automatic tang mounted safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Mounted with an extra fancy nicely figured multi-point checkered English walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with engraved grip cap, teardrop flats, leather wrapped solid recoil pad and gold initial oval inscribed "RJB". The length of pull is 14 1/2". The drop at comb is 1 1/2 inch, drop at heel is 2 inches, 1/4 inch cast off and weight is 9lbs. 3 oz. Comes with a hard leather takedown case with leather corner protectors, straps and handle, red lining with James Purdey label and dimensions label affixed to the inside of the lid. In the case is a two-piece cleaning rod, two brass snap caps, a Purdey marked oiler and two extra full choke tubes.

Excellent. The barrels retain 99% plus original blue finish. The locks and frame have a smooth gray patina with most of the original case colors remaining on the breech face and water table. All of the coin finish remains. The wood is also excellent with only the slightest handling/storage marks and sharp checkering. With the exception noted above, all of the gold inlay remains. The markings and engraving are sharp. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a few scuffs on the exterior.