The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed as the No.1 of a pair for a Mr. P. Saltmarsh in 1872 with rebounding hammers, 30 inch barrels and “Long hands, wood of lock edges rounded”. The browned fine Damascus barrels are signed “J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON” on the concave rib. The added blacked steel barrels with matching Purdey address. Both barrels have 2015 dated Birmingham proof marks, the Damascus barrels being reproofs. Brushed bright action with carved percussion fences, rebounding locks each signed “PURDEY”, and iron furniture. Fine border and scroll engraving throughout. Well figured straight hand walnut stock with checker grip and forearm. The barrels and water table stuck with London black powder proof marks and Birmingham nitro reproof marks. The water table also engraved “No. 1”. In brass cornered oak and leather case fitted for both sets of barrels and lined in red baize, the lid with large printed J. Purdey trade label. Barrel measurements (R/L): Damascus barrels; chambers proofed and measured at 2 1/2"; bores proofed at 18.9 (.744) and 18.8 (.740) and measured at .744/.742; chokes measured at .004/.002; minimum barrel wall thickness at .026/.028; 2nd set of blacked barrels; chambers proofed and measured at 2 3/4"; bores proofed at 18.6 (.732) and measured at .734/.734; chokes measured at .006/.006; minimum barrel wall thickness at .027/.028; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.; length of pull 14 1/4 inches.

Damascus barrels retaining nearly all of the rebrowned finish, rib signature worn. Steel barrels retaining 95% reblacked finish, signature very clear. Action, locks and trigger guard cleaned bright with clear engraving throughout, all pins and screwheads reblued. Fine figure stock refinished with a covered up repair forward of the trigger guard and crisp checkering. Case has some external age staining, leather straps and loops replaced, writing nicely cut into the leather lid, the lining with age marking from the gun and barrels. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.