The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed in 1873 for T.W. Lane as a snap action underlever to match gun number 8349. Browned damascus steel dovetail lump barrels marked "J. PURDEY. 314 1/2. OXFORD STREET. LONDON." on the smooth raised rib with single bead sight, chambers proved at 2 1/2 inches with single extractor, and black powder proofs and London nitro reproofs dated to 1999 on the flats. Casehardened action and locks with London proofs and engraved "No." and "2" on each side of the water table, sculpted fences, engraved serpentine hammers, nitre blued small parts and "PURDEY" maker's marks on the island side locks, as well as "PURDEY'S PATENT" and "PATENT" markings on the bottom and top of the action respectively. The action and locks have Purdey rose and scroll engraving throughout. The blued trigger guard has an expanded thumbhole for the push-forward underlever, with scroll engraving throughout and engraved with the serial number on the lower tang. Checkered splinter forearm and nicely figured straight grip stock with key latch, monogrammed initial oval, engraved fittings, and leather covered recoil pad. With period leather case with maroon baize interior and reproduction of a period maker's label with handwritten loading information. Bore measurements: chambers proofed and measure at 2 1/2 inches; bores proofed at 18.9 (.744) and measure at .744/.746. Chokes: .026/.031. Minimum wall thickness: .020/.015

Fine with 98% of the rebrowned finish remaining on the barrels with clear markings. The action and locks have been cleaned bright with a few areas of light spotting. The trigger guard and visible screws have been reblued, with the trigger guard showing slight softening of the engraving and an area of spotting. The wood has been refinished with recut checkering and minor handling marks. The leather pad has some light scuffing at the heel and toe. The case is very good with various handling marks and scratches throughout, replacement straps and a replacement piece of leather for the initial area and a relined interior. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.