The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was completed in 1868 for a Colonel Hibbert and is noted in the Dimension Book as being a centrefire breech-loading double rifle of 40-bore, with 30 inch barrels and weighing 9 lbs. The records also note that it was later resold to Lord Darnley. With browned damascus barrels with raised partially matted flat sighting rib signed "J. PURDEY. 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET. LONDON", fitted with blade front sight and blued rear sight of one standing and three folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line graduated from 100 to 250 yards. Casehardened action with carved percussion fences and long top strap marked "PATENT" between the hammers. Floating island back action non-rebounding locks each signed "PURDEY" and fitted with blued safety catch. Long underlever forming the pistol grip trigger guard. Casehardened trigger plate. Fine border and scroll engraving throughout. Bright checkered iron butt plate engraved "CHARGE 4 DRM NO. 6 POWDER". Barrels and action struck with London black powder proof marks. Well figured straight hand stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip and forearm, and blank silver initial escutcheon. The underside of the butt with blued sling eye corresponding to a sling eye on the underside of the barrel.

Very fine with 98% of the rebrowned finish remaining on the barrels with scattered dents and dings and clear markings. The action retains traces of the original casehardened finish in the protected areas with the remainder a dull silver patina with crisp engraving. The various screws have been reblued. The wood has been revarnished with light sanding and recut checkering and slight handling marks throughout and some pitting to the forend iron. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.