The makers have kindly confirmed that this percussion rifle was sold to a T. Fraser on December 22, 1827, at a cost of £35 5 shillings. The powder charge is noted as ¾ dram. The damascus barrel is signed "J. PURDEY No. 3 1/4 OXFORD STREET, LONDON" and has a dovetailed beaded blade front sight, three-leaf rear sight with sight lines, double platinum bands and pierced platinum plug on the breech, "JP" and London proof marks on the bottom along with the serial number. The lock is signed "PURDEY" and has scroll engraving and a sliding half-cock safety. The upper tang and furniture have primarily scroll and border engraving, and the round patch box has a scene of two dogs pursuing a boar with a tree in the background. The walnut half-stock has a horn forend cap, silver wedge and wrist escutcheons, checkered wrist, shallow cheekpiece, and nice figure. The mahogany case has a Purdey trade label inside, balls, unmarked powder flask, cap tin, and powder measure.

Fine overall with 85% plus rebrowned finish and distinct twist patterns on the barrel, some signs of slight pitting, 20% original case colors on the lock, mostly silver-gray upper tang and trigger plate, 70% original blue finish on the trigger guard, patch of strong original blue on the buttplate tang, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, oxidation mainly on the buttplate,, a 1/2 piece of wood added to the butt (old and possibly original), minor wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, chip on the forend cap, some loss of wood on each side at the breech, and general mild wear. The case and accessories are also fine and have mild age and storage related wear including a slight crack in the lid. Overall, a very attractive, light, and fairly early Purdey sporting rifle. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.