The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was sold on March 5, 1858 as the number “2” gun of a pair to a Mr. W.G. Craven for £45. 0. 0. with a gun by Moore being put up in part exchange. With browned Damascus barrels signed “J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON” on the concave rib. Casehardened border and scroll engraved patent breeches each with platinum inlaid line and engraved platinum plug. Casehardened border and scroll engraved standing breech and locks, the latter each with “dolphin” hammer and signed “J. PURDEY”. Border and scroll engraved furniture including blued butt plate and trigger guard. Well figured walnut stock with checkered grip and forearm, the stock with no provision for a ramrod. See L. Patrick Unsworth, “The Early Purdeys”, p. 250. Provenance: The Peter Ringland Collection.

Very good with 90% of the rebrowned finish remaining with recut barrel markings. The remaining components are mostly a smooth grey patina with some blue remaining on the inside of the trigger guard and approximately 80% of the blue remaining on the butt plate. The refinished wood is very good with well-defined checkering, smooth edges, and some slight handling marks. The case is very fine with several handling scratches on the exterior, the bottom outside baize is beginning to peel away at one end, and some slight tears and staining to the relined interior. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.