Manufactured in 1895. Blued Whitworth Fluid Steel chopper lump barrels with single steel bead sight on the smooth, concave solid rib marked "J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON. MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID PRESSURE STEEL.", chambers measured at 2 1/2 inches with automatic ejectors, and standard London proofs of the era. The casehardened self-opening action and sidelocks display near full coverage classic English rose and scroll engraving which also extends to the trigger guard, upper and lower tangs, and release lever. The action features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and tang mounted automatic safety switch. The number "2" is marked on the release lever, at the breech end of the barrel rib, the underside of the forend, and the watertable, suggesting that this gun was built as part of a matched pair. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and Anson button release as well as a straight grip stock with blank inscription oval and checkered bare butt. A consignor supplied letter states that this gun was originally owned by George Beach III who worked on the Manhattan Project as well proximity fuze development at John Hopkins University. Includes a canvas bound takedown case, turnscrews, wooden cleaning rod, snap caps, and detached carry handle. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameters 9 inches from the breech both proved at 12 (.729 inches) and measured .732 inches; choke constriction both measure .000 inches; minimum wall thickness .029/.026 inches; 1 15/16 inch drop at comb; 2 11/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 7 oz.

Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% reblacked finish on the barrels, 75% case colors, some areas of minor spotting, and overall light handling evidence. The wood is very good with a repaired chip below the left lock, a slight crack coming off the left lock, scattered dings and scratches, and worn but well-defined checkering. The case has a broken strap and detached handle (included), otherwise good. Safety ineffective; otherwise mechanically excellent.