Manufactured circa 1897. This matching pair of shotguns feature 30 inch solid rib barrels with a single brass bead on the smooth solid rib, choked open/full, 2 3/4 inch chambers with ejectors. The rib is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET LONDON" and "1" at the breech (A gun) and "2", (B gun). Both are numbered to the gun, both sets marked "->SPECIAL - GUN<-/->BARREL - STEEL<-", three intertwined circles followed by "Fried Krupp". The flats are marked "NITRO PROOF", "crown/V" and "crown/GP" proof marks, "12/C" in a diamond and "1 1/8 OZ MAXIMUM". The receiver and lock plates have fine English scroll and rose engraving and "J PURDEY & SONS" on each lock. The underside of the receiver is engraved "PURDEY/PATENT". The fences are engraved with a relief leaf design. The locks and receiver were casehardened and the remaining metal surfaces are blue. The break levers are also marked "1" ( A gun) and "2" (B gun). Double triggers, cocking indicators, automatic tang mounted safety with gold "SAFE", and mounted with a multi-point walnut splinter forearm, with matching serial number and numbered as above, and straight grip stock with a checkered bare butt, (5/8 inch wooden extension) and silver initial oval. Drop at comb 1 3/8 inches; drop at heel 2 inches; length of pull 14 3/8 inches. The pair come in a leather bound walnut case with leather straps and handle and red felt lining. In the case are a two piece cleaning rod, four nickel snap caps and cleaning rod attachments.

Fine with 99% refinished blue finish remaining, showing only light handling marks. The locks and receiver are bright. There is some minor pitting on the underside of the receiver. The wood shows a few minor handling marks and crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with some scuffs, scratches and stains on the exterior. The serial numbers of the shotguns has been written in pen on the outside of the lid as well. The interior shows some wear, stains and tears. The label on the inside of the lid has been removed.

Described in "A" with the exception of the wood stock extension. Drop at the heel is 1 3/4 inches, drop at the comb is 1 1/4 inches and the length of pull is 14 1/2 inches.

Fine with 99% refinished blue finish remaining. The locks and receiver are bright and there is some minor pitting visible on the underside of the receiver. The shows only light handling/storage marks and the checkering is very crisp. The engraving and markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.