The makers have kindly confirmed that this rare large bore duck gun was completed in 1874 for a Mr. Hayden. The records note this was a double center fire “lever over guard” hammergun weighing 10 lbs. 15 oz., with 32 inch cylinder bored barrels and patterned to 80 yards with wire cartridges. With browned fine Damascus barrels signed “J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON” on the concave rib. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and rebounding floating “island” back action locks. The top strap of the action engraved “PATENT” within an oval. Casehardened furniture. Best quality border and scroll engraving throughout. The barrels and water table struck with London black powder proof marks. Well figured straight hand stock with checkered grip and forearm, the underside of the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon. In a maker’s lightweight fitted case lined in red baize, the lid with large blue ink printed J. Purdey trade label. With some accessories including turnscrews. Provenance: Thomas R. Prudente Collection, Christie’s, London, December 17, 2015, lot 157.

Barrels retaining 80% fading original browned finish with tight damascus pattern, signature crisp, some surface scratches to the flank of the left barrel towards the breech end. Action and locks retaining 95% original casehardened finish, trigger guard retaining 50% original casehardened finish with the finish to the tang worn off. Engraving is crisp throughout. Well figured stock has well defined checkering, some scattered storage and handling marks throughout. Case with some external age staining and wear, case lining with some minor age wear, lid with light mothing to one edge, label with some staining. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.