Manufactured between 1947 and 1954 according to the chart on page 126 of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London". Blued steel barrels with dual bead sights on the matted concave solid rib, barrels marked "J. PURDEY & SONS." and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." on the left and right respectively, and chambers proved 2 3/4 inches with automatic ejectors. The casehardened sideclipped self-opening sidelock action displays extensive classic English rose and scroll engraving which extends to the toplever, both tangs, and the triggerguard. The lockplates are both signed "J.PURDEY & SONS." and the underside is marked "J.PURDEY & SONS/LONDON/ENGLAND". The gun features bushed firing pins, a single trigger, and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid "SAFE". Attractively figured, multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved fittings and straight grip stock with teardrop flats, "WEU" inlaid in gold, and Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. Includes a leather bound takedown case, cleaning tools, and two snap caps. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at "12" (.729 inches) and both measured .733 inches; choke constriction .025/.034 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.033 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 1/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 8 oz.

Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence. The wood is also very fine with a few scattered scratches, some light chipping at the inlets, and sharp checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.