The makers have kindly confirmed that this shotgun was completed in circa 1823 for a Mr. Lumley. The records note that the charge was 3 drams of powder and 1 1/2 oz. of shot. It was sold second hand to a James Collins on May 10, 1828. The rib has a small bead front sight and the Purdey address. The bottom of the barrels have London proofs, "JP" maker's marks, and the serial number, and "JT" or "JI" is marked on the bottom of the rib near the breech. The locks are signed "PURDEY," and the locks and furniture are engraved with a variety of patterns, including burst designs, shells, inhabited scrolls, and border designs. The top of the wrist has a blank silver escutcheon. The stock has a smooth forend and a checkered wrist and is nicely figured. The oak case has a Purdey trade label and contains powder and shot flasks, a shot snake, an oiler, cleaning rod, rod attachments, tow, wad cutter, cap tin, key, screwdriver, and nipple wrench. Measurements: 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 1 11/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 2 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine with 75% plus of the refinished brown remaining along with visible twist patterns on the barrel, mostly silver-gray patina on the locks and furniture, generally crisp markings and engraving but some softened areas such as the rib marking and buttplate engraving, and minor scratches and dings. The restored stock is also fine and has attractive flame figure, crisp checkering, some discrete repairs by the left lock and forend, and minor overall wear. Mechanically fine. The case is good and has a cracked lid, moderate exterior wear, nice relined interior, and mild overall wear. The accessories are fine to very good and generally have mild storage wear. Certainly an attractive early Purdey shotgun.