Manufactured in 1881. This cased pair is within two serial numbers ("10,931" and "10,933") of each other, and based on the numbered "1" and "3" markings on the barrel ribs were originally part of a three gun set. Blue, dovetailed lump Whitworth Steel barrels with concave solid ribs marked "J. PURDEY & SONS. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTHS FLUID PRESSED STEEL" with single bead sights, light engraving at the breech, automatic ejectors, improved cylinder/improved modified chokes, and London blackpowder proofs on the flats. Casehardened receiver and locks with Purdey's patent self opening action, semi-relief leaf designs on top of fences with full coverage Purdey rose and scroll engraving, standard maker's marks, cocking indicators, bushed firing pins, dual triggers, and automatic sliding tang safety. Checkered splinter forearms with engraved fittings, Anson push button latch, and attractively figured Prince of Wales pistol grip buttstocks with blank gold initial ovals, and solid rubber recoil pads. With an unmarked oak and leather travel case with brass fittings and leather straps. Bore and stock measurements (R/L): chambers measured at 2 3/4 inches; bores 9 inches from the breech proved and measured at “13/1” (.726/.726); chokes measured at .012/.029; minimum wall thickness .034/.033; drop at comb 1 3/8 inches; drop at heel 2 1/8 inches; length of pull 14 7/8 inches; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 5 oz.

Fine as professionally refurbished. The barrels have 99% deep, refinished blue with some light handling marks, small dings, and recut barrel address and serial number on the left tube. Several of the proofs on the flats have been struck out. The receiver and locks have an overall gray patina with evidence of light cleaning, and well defined engraving. The wood is also fine with sharp, recut checkering, a visible repair between the frame and trigger guard, secondary crack at the right side of the wrist, attractive figure, and a few small dings. Mechanically very good.

As described in "A". Bore and stock measurements (R/L): chambers measured at 2 3/4 inches; bores 9 inches from the breech proved and measured at “13/1” (.725/.725); chokes measured at .011/.028; minimum wall thickness .037/.034; drop at comb 1 1/2 inches; drop at heel 2 3/8 inches; length of pull 14 7/8 inches; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 5 oz.

Fine as professionally refurbished. 99% of the refinished blue remains on the barrels with crisp rib markings, some proofs on the flats struck out, and right barrel number recut. The receiver and locks have an overall gray patina with detailed engraving and evidence of light cleaning. The wood is also fine with sharp, recut checkering, a visible repair between the frame and trigger guard, attractive figure, and a few small dings. Mechanically very good though the strike on the rear trigger sounds weak.