Manufactured in 1901/1902 per the data provided on page 126 of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London". Single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked "J. PURDEY & SONS, AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON, MADE OF SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH'S FLUID-PRESS STEEL" along with a flourish of scroll at the breech end. The flats show correct period London nitro proofs including the "1 1/8 OZ" load proof indicating 2 1/2 inch chamber which have automatic ejectors. The casehardened sidelock action displays beautifully executed classic English rose & scroll engraving which extends to the tangs, triggerguard, and toplever with both lockplates signed "J. PURDEY & SONS." The gun features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid "SAFE". Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and an Anson button release and a straight grip stock with teardrop flats, "R.P.T." in the silver inscription oval, and added leather faced ventilated recoil pad. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved "12" (.729 inches) and measured .744/.738 inches; choke constriction .012/.021 inches; minimum wall thickness .020/.022 inches; 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 13 oz.

Very fine, retaining 98% plus professionally reapplied blue finish, 60% original casehardened finish, scattered areas of minor surface spotting, some areas of dried grease particularly around the breech, and overall minor handling evidence. The wood is very fine with some varnish fading toward the butt, filled swivel stud holes on the stock and under rib, a few light dings and scratches, and overall sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.