The makers have kindly confirmed that this fine pigeon gun was completed on July 30, 1909, for Guinard (a Parisian dealer who acted as agents for some British manufacturers) for a Mr. Quirino. It is recorded as a “bar in iron” hammer pigeon gun chambered for 2 3/4 inch cartridges with 30 inch Whitworth steel barrels and low profile hammers. With blued chopperlump barrels with matted concave rib with bead front sight, the breech end of the rib numbered “1” in gold. The tubes are respectively signed “J. PURDEY & SONS AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON” and “MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL”. The barrel flats are struck with Birmingham nitro reproof marks, and an import mark is beneath the forearm on the under rib. Treble grip action signed “PURDEY’S PATENT” on the underside, and with blued toplever signed “PATENT”, percussion fences, rebounding locks each signed “J. PURDEY & SONS” and sprung front trigger. With fine Purdey pattern bouquet and scroll engraving throughout. Well-figured straight hand stock with checkered butt, grip and forearm, the last with Anson push button release, and carved drop points. In fitted brass cornered oak and leather case lined in purple baize and fitted for one set of barrels, with cleaning rod and black leather Purdey trade label with gilt lettering. The additional set of blued 30 inch barrels were made later and are signed “HY. ANDREW & CO. LTD. TOLEDO STEEL WORKS SHEFFIELD” and struck with Belgian proof marks. The barrels feature a finely matted concave rib with bead front sight and a small spray of scrollwork at the breech end. Barrel measurements for the extra H.Y. Andrews barrel set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech proved at 18.4 mm (.724 inches) and both measured at .734 inches; 2 3/4 inch chambers; choke constriction .017/.048; minimum wall thickness .026/.027 inches. Barrel measurements for primary set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech reproved 18.8 mm/18.7 mm (.740/.736 inches) and measured .744/.738 inches; 2 3/4 inch chambers; choke constrictions .056/.052 inches; minimum wall thickness .021/.026 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/4 inch drop at heel; 14 5/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 8 oz. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection