The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed in November 1951 for Donald S. Hopkins, a long term Purdey customer from the 1940s until the 1970s. The records confirm that this gun was fitted with 28 inch barrels, was engraved by Kell and has gilded lockwork. The larger of the two buffalo heads hanging in the front shop at Audley House was shot by Hopkins. With blacked chopperlump barrels respectively signed "J. PURDEY & SONS." and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." and engraved with a band of foliage at each breech. Matted raised rib fitted with two white bead sights. Casehardened side clipped treble grip action with blued removable striker discs, blued top lever and blued automatic safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Casehardened locks each signed "J. PURDEY & SONS" and with bright pins, cocking indicator and gilded lock work. Blued trigger plate with gilded trigger and blued rolled edge trigger guard. Figured 14 1/4 inch stock including 3/4 inch rubber recoil pad with checkered grip and beaver tail forearm. The underside of the stock with gold escutcheon engraved with the initials "A.D.L." Best quality large scroll engraving throughout, the fences chiselled with acanthus foliage. Weight: 6 lbs. 5 oz., 2 3/4 inch chambers, bored approx. 3/8 and 7/8 choke, barrel dimensions: right proved at 20, measuring .617, minimum wall thickness 27; left proved at 20, measuring .617, minimum wall thickness 26. In brass cornered oak and leather fitted case lined in burgundy baize, the lid with Purdey gilt leather trade label, and with accessories including nickel plated oil bottle, nickel plated Purdey snap caps, and various turnscrews and striker disc tools. The exterior of the lid named to "ARTHUR D. LEIDESDORF 125 PARK AVE. N.Y.C." and "20 GA. PURDEY No. 26189".

Excellent. The barrels show a period factory refurbished blue. The action and locks are excellent retaining much of their strong, vibrant and deep original casehardened finish with later lacquered finish, engraving and chiselling crisp. Top lever and trigger guard each with much original blued finish. Stock with minor storage and handling blemishes, checkering crisp. Beaver tail forearm appears to be a replacement. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.