The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was completed in 1873 for Sir John Rose. The records note it was a 44 bore double centerfire hammer rifle weighing 9 lbs. 11 oz. with 29 inch barrels and a stock length of 14 3/8 inches which matches its current measurements other than weight which is 9 lbs. 8.6 oz. The escutcheon on the bottom of the butt is inscribed "JSM/to/JR/AUG. 3rd/1873" and appears to be for Sir John Rose (1820-1888), a politician in Canada and the U.K. and who was created as 1st Baronet Rose of Montreal in 1872 and moved to Loseley Park in England that year. It features a beaded blade front sight, three leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 200, and 300 yards; "J. PURDEY 314 1/2 OXFORD STREET, LONDON." signed ahead of the rear sight, London proofs and the serial number on the bottom of the barrels, non-rebounding hammers with sliding half-cock safeties at the front, "PURDEY" signed back action locks, fine English scroll engraving, checkered forearm, checkered wrist, nicely figured buttstock, and oval cheek rest. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine as refinished with 80% plus high quality brown finish remaining on the barrels which display attractive twist patterns and a lightly softened signature, 75% original case colors on the locks and frame, crisp engraving, 75% plus brown on the buttplate which has some pitting and cracks, crisp checkering and minor edge wear on the forearm, crisp checkering, attractive figure, and smooth finish on the refinished buttstock which has minor scratches and marks, proud left lock, and minor overall wear. Mechanically excellent.