The makers have kindly confirmed that this double percussion two-groove express rifle was completed on July 19, 1853 for the Hon. W. Portman. L. Patrick Unsworth in ‘"The Early Purdeys" on p. 165 notes the purchase price as £84 0. 0., that it was fitted with Purdey hammers, the charge was 2 ¼ drams No. 6 powder, and the rifling was 1 turn in 6 ft. The locks are signed "PURDEY" below the sliding safeties, and the rib is signed "J PURDEY 314 1/2. OXFORD STREET. LONDON." The bottom of the barrels have "JP" and the serial numbers by the London proof marks. The inside of the patch box is inscribed "6 Powder 2 1/4 drms." The rifle is equipped with a fine blade front sight and notch rear sight with three folding leaves and platinum sight lines. The breech plugs have platinum bands and plugs. The engraving throughout consists mostly of classic scroll patterns. The nicely figure walnut stock has checkering on the forend and wrist and a 14 1/2 inch length of pull.

Very fine as professionally restored overall with essentially all of the finish remaining, crisp engraving, distinct twist patterns, crisp checkering on the stock, beautiful flame figure, minor pitting at the breech, and minimal overall handling and storage related wear. The alignment of the safeties is a bit off, but the rifle is otherwise mechanically excellent. Certainly a highly attractive Purdey double rifle. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.