The makers have kindly confirmed that this "C Quality" double hammer rifle was completed on October 9, 1884 for The Duke of Morny. It is noted as featuring rebounding backlocks and regulated for Eley solid drawn 2 ¼ inch Express case loaded with 1 7/8 drams of No.6 Powder, thin card and greased cloth, and Eley’s hollow papered bullet. The sighting information states “1/2 ball of front sight in bottom edge of spot at 50, 100, 150, 200". With blued steel barrels with raised matted flat sighting rib signed "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON", fitted with blade front sight insert and blued rear sight of one standing and two folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line marked for 50, 150, and 200 yards. Casehardened Jones Patent rotary underlever action with carved percussion fences. Floating island back action rebounding locks each signed "J. PURDEY & SONS" with serpentine hammers. Blued trigger plate with double smooth triggers and blued trigger guard. An attractive light floral scroll engraving is executed throughout. Blued checkered steel butt plate with light floral engraving on the heel. Barrels and action struck with London black powder proof marks. Nicely figured pistol grip stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and Anson push-button forearm, rear swivel stud with the accompanying stud attached to the barrels, and blank silver initial escutcheon.

Very fine with 90% of the reblued finish remaining with some scratches throughout and spotted loss of finish at the muzzles and clear markings. 60% of the original casehardened finish remains on the action, locks, and lever with crisp engraving. The trigger plate, guard, and butt plate retain 60% of the original blued finish. The wood is very fine with scattered dents and dings and a light gouge on the left side of the forend. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.