Originally completed in April 1934, the makers have kindly confirmed that this hammerless ejector pigeon/competition gun was sold to H.F. Carter with 30 inch barrels and the unusual feature of shooting the left barrel first. The extra barrels were fitted to the gun in 1967 by the makers and the original barrels shortened to 28 inch and re-choked and fitted for G.F.E. Deravin whose initials “GD” remain on the silver escutcheon on the underside of the stock. The original blued chopperlump barrels have a raised finely matted raised rib with bead front sight and are respectively signed “J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON.” and “MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL” towards the breeches, with London nitro proof marks, 2 ¾ inch chambers, and improved cylinder chokes. Casehardened side-clipped action with third fastener signed “J. PURDEY & SONS LONDON” on the underside and with removable firing pin discs and checkered manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Casehardened lock plates each with cocking indicator and signed “J. PURDEY & SONS”. The trigger-plate fitted with double triggers, the front trigger articulated, and blued top lever and trigger guard. Best quality rose and scroll engraving throughout. Well figured stock with checkered grip and forearm, silver oval escutcheon engraved with the initials “GD” and fitted with a serrated hard rubber buttplate. The extra blued chopperlump barrels have a similar matted raised rib with bead front sight to the original set and are respectively signed “J. PURDEY & SONS” and “AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND.” towards the breeches, with London nitro proof marks, 2 ¾ inch chambers, and full chokes. In fitted brass cornered oak and leather case, the lid with black leather Purdey trade label with gilt lettering, with some accessories including a Purdey oil bottle, a pair of Purdey snap caps, a Purdey striker disc removal tool, two horn handled turnscrews and a cleaning rod and kit, contained in a black leather pouch. The exterior of the case labeled “G.J. KENNETT”. Sold with a copy of a letter from Purdeys dated 1989 detailing information from the makers records of this gun. Bore and stock measurements: Original 28 inch barrel bore measured 9 inches from the breech, both proved at 12 and measuring .734/.734, minimum wall thickness .026/.027, additional 28 inch barrel bore measured 9 inches from the breech, both proved at .729 and measuring .730/.729, minimum wall thickness .026/.028, length of pull, 14 1/4 in., weight 6 lbs. 15 oz. with the original barrels.

The barrels each retaining 90% blued finish, the original barrels were factory reblued when they were shortened, the additional barrels retaining their original blued finish. There is some wear and a small scratch at the muzzle of the left barrel of the extra barrel set. The under rib of both sets of barrels are engraved with the importer’s details “Woodcock Hill Benton PA” beneath the forearm. The action and locks each retaining 70% thinning original casehardened finish with some wear to the fences. Trigger guard with 60% original blued finish with some handling wear to the tang. The engraving remains crisp throughout. The stock has minor blemishes throughout and a small chip to the right edge of the forearm. The mechanism now fires the right barrel first. Mechanically excellent. The case has some handling wear to the exterior leather. A fine example of a heavy game gun from the most prestigious gun maker during what is regarded as the best period of British gunmaking.