The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was sold on July 25, 1848, to Sir H. Meux with a 30 inch barrel (measures 30 1/4 inches including the breech plug). Sir Henry Meux, 2nd Baronet of Theobalds Park (1817-1883), led the London brewery Meux & Co. that was previously owned by his father and was the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in 1845 and a Member of Parliament for Hertfordshire in 1847-1859. The rifle has a blade front sight, two leaf rear sight (one standing, one folding) with sight lines, "J. PURDEY 314 1/2, OXFORD STREET, LONDON." signed on top of the barrel, ten-groove rifling, platinum band and plug on the breech, scroll engraving, "PURDEY" signed lock with sliding half-cock safety ahead of the hammer, adjustable single set trigger, sling swivel eye on the mid ramrod pipe, sling stud on the bottom of the buttstock, horn forend cap, checkered forearm and wrist, round patch box, cheek rest, and a flat steel buttplate. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine with a blend of a faded older refinished brown and light gray and brown patina on the barrel, mostly mottled brown patina on the lock and furniture, mild oxidation and pitting, mostly distinct markings and engraving, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has mild handling wear on the otherwise distinct checkering and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.