The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was completed in 1868 for the Honourable A. Stourton, described in the records as a 60 bore double center fire rifle with 29 1/2 inch barrels and weighing 9lbs. 4 oz. With browned damascus barrels with raised partially matted flat sighting rib signed “J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON”, fitted with bead front sight and blued rear sight of one standing and three folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line graduated from “100” to “250” yards. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and long top strap signed “PURDEY” in an oval between the hammers. Floating island back action non-rebounding locks each signed “PURDEY” and fitted with blued safety catch. Long underlever forming the pistol grip trigger guard. Casehardened trigger plate. Fine border and scroll engraving throughout. Blued checkered iron butt plate engraved “CHARGE 3 1/4 OF NO. 6 POWDER”. Barrels and action struck with London black powder proof marks. Well figured straight hand stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, and blank gold initial escutcheon. The underside of the butt with blued sling eye corresponding to a sling eye on the underside of the barrel. In original oak fitted case lined with red baize, the lid with printed J. Purdey trade label, with some accessories including brass bullet mold marked “450 480”.

Barrel retaining 98% rebrowned finish, signature clear but slightly softened. Action, locks and trigger plate retaining 95% bright original casehardened finish, crisp engraving throughout. Underlever with 40% faded original casehardened finish. Butt plate with 20% original blued finish. Stock refinished, very slight handling blemishes, checkering sharp. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.