The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was sold to Lord Blantyre on July 5, 1844 for £84. 0. 0. The rifle is illustrated in L. Patrick Unsworth, “The Early Purdeys”, black and white plate 71, the List of Illustrations noting that this rifle demonstrates the second model of Purdey’s hammer for double percussion rifles with forward positioned safety catch. It is also listed in Appendix 2: Rifles on p. 157. Browned Damascus steel rifled barrels with solid smooth rib signed "J. PURDEY 314 1/2. OXFORD STREET. LONDON." with front blade sight and single notched dovetail rear sight, two ramrod pipes, one with sling eyelet, and dark hardwood brass tipped rod. Casehardened breech with silver lines and oval discs, casehardened hammer and locks with scroll engraving and each lock signed "PURDEY", and shaped hammers, each with blued safety catch, and smooth double triggers. Blued trigger guard with extended checkered finger rest and extended tang marked "3845." Checkered walnut straight grip stock with raised cheekpiece, sling post, engraved casehardened patch box, and checkered and engraved blued steel extended buttplate. Period oak case with brass corners and blank initial escutcheon, green baize interior with period maker's label, and includes various tools, a small silver oil bottle, and a shot and powder flask.

Very fine with 90% of the rebrowned finish remaining with clear markings. The breech, hammer, locks, and other furniture retains 70% of the original casehardened finish with detailed engraving. The trigger guard and butt plate retain approximately 70% of the original blue finish with some areas of discoloration. The refinished wood has well defined checkering with some areas of discoloration and various dents and dings. Case is very good with handling wear and some tarnishing to the brass components. The interior is very good with slight staining and the label has a few small tears and overall staining. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.