The makers have kindly confirmed that this shotgun was completed in 1868 for Lord Dupplin to match a previous gun (serial number not noted). The records note 30 inch barrels and that it was built as left handed. George Hay-Drummond, Viscount Dupplin and 12th Earl of Kinnoull, (1827-1897) was a Scottish and British peer, a sportsman, and a personal friend of the future King Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, and was his regular hunting companion in the pursuit of grouse. The rib has been remarked "JAMES PURDEY 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET LONDON." and has a bead front sight and a small flourish of scroll at the breech. The barrel flats are marked with Paris Proof House marks and London reproof marks from after 2010. The right barrel flat is marked "LEOPOLD BERNARD" and the left barrel flat is marked "CANONNIER A. PARIS". The upper tang has "PATENT" in an oval, and the bottom of the frame has "PURDEY'S/PATENT." The floating back action locks are signed "PURDEY" and have rebounding hammers. The lower tang has the serial number. Scroll and border engraving is featured throughout aside from the barrel. The stock and forearm are checkered, and the buttplate is serrated. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bores 9 inches from the breech proved at 18.5 mm/ 18.6 mm (.728 inches/.732 inches) and measured at .729 inches/.732 inches; choke constriction .035/.037 inches; minimum wall thickness .028/.032; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. Includes a takedown case marked "A.G.C.B." on the lid with a Purdey trade label inside, oiler, and some cleaning tools. Provenance: George Hay-Drummond, Viscount Dupplin and 12th Earl of Kinnoull and The Malcolm King Collection

Fine as rebarrelled and restocked. The barrel have essentially all of the brown finish remaining and display bold twist patterns and some small spots of minor oxidation/pitting. The other components have traces of original case colors and otherwise display silver-gray patina, crisp engraving, and some minor pitting. The wood has crisp checkering, a small chip on the left side of the forend, repaired chip at the heel, and mild dings and scratches. The barrel release is very stiff, but the locks remain mechanically fine. The relined case is good with mild wear and new straps and handle.