Manufactured in 1901 per Donald Dallas' "Purdey Gun and Rifle Makers: The Definitive History". Blued Whitworth Fluid-Pressure Steel chopper lump barrels with matted concave solid rib fitted with dual white bead sights. The right barrel is marked "MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID-PRESSURE STEEL", the left is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON", and "No. 2" across both barrels at the breech. There is also a "2" marked on the release lever and under side of forend, implying that this was number 2 of a likely pair. London proofmarks on the watertable coincide with the date of manufacture. The coin finished sidelock self-opening action with is covered in classic English fine rose and scroll engraving. Both lock plates are signed "J. PURDEY & SONS" and the underside is marked "PURDEY'S/PATENT". Matching engraving on the trigger guard, upper and lower tangs, and forend fittings. Beautifully figured straight grip stock with splinter forend bearing an Anson button release. "R.T.H" marked inscription oval on the underside of the buttstock. Includes a leather bound takedown case with Purdey trade label and data card for a different Purdey shotgun, two piece cleaning rod, nickel oiler, two nickel snap caps, and three turn screws. Bore and stock measurements (R/L): chambers marked and measured 1 1/8 oz (2 1/2 inches); bores 9 inches from the breech marked "12" (.729 inches) and measure .735/.738 inches; choke constriction .014/.011 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.017 inches; 1 1/2 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 5 oz. Provenance: Firearms for Freedom Collection

Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% blue finish on the barrels and clean hardware with markings and a clean brushed bright finish on the action and locks. The metal shows limited handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with only a few minor marks and sharp checkering. The case exterior is poor and the interior is fine. Mechanically excellent.