The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed in May 1952 and appears to be the 7th Purdey over-and-under completed on the Woodward action and almost certainly the first 20-bore. It was originally ordered by Donald S. Hopkins, a long standing Purdey customer, although he may not actually have taken possession as it is noted in the records that the gun was in front shop stock as of 16 November 1953. In February 1956 the original record was recorded to show that the gun was sold to a Charles P. Zaroul with a blank escutcheon covering the gold D.S.H. initials that had been inset in the stock. Matted rib bearing two red bead sights, the upper barrel engraved with a band of foliage at the breech and signed on the left side "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.". Casehardened flat sided rounded action with blued hold open top lever, automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE", and signed on the underside "J. PURDEY & SONS. LONDON. ENGLAND". Casehardened locks each signed "J. PURDEY & SONS" and with cocking indicator, blued and bright pins and gilded lock work. Blued trigger plate with gilded single trigger and blued rolled edge trigger guard. Well figured 14 3/16 inch stock including 1/2 inch leather covered recoil pad, with checkered grip and forearm. The underside of the stock with gold escutcheon engraved with the initials "A.D.L.". Best quality scroll engraving throughout, the top of the action chiselled with acanthus foliage. Weight: 6 lbs. 6 oz., 2 3/4 inch chambers, bored approx. 3/4 and 3/8 choke, barrel dimensions: upper proved at 20, measuring .618, minimum wall thickness 30; lower proved at 20, measuring .618, minimum wall thickness 30. In Abercrombie & Fitch fitted leather case lined in burgundy baize, the lid named "ARTHUR D. LEIDESDORF 125 PARK AVE. NEW YORK CITY" and embossed "PURDEY 20 GA. OVER & UNDER NO. 26150". Although not noted in the records, it is possible that this gun was engraved by Harry Kell.

Excellent overall. Barrels show a period factory refurbished finish with only the slightest collector type handling marks overall. The signature and engraved ornament is clear. The action and locks retain 98% original, deep and rich casehardened finish, engraving remains sharp crisp and clear. Stock refinished, slight storage and handling marking, checkering crisp. Mechanically excellent. Overall a wonderful, historic and highly desirable example of a J. Purdey & Sons "Woodward" 20 bore over/under. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.