Manufactured in 1877 per page 126 of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London". Blued steel barrels with single brass bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which is marked "J. Purdey & Sons - London" in gold inlaid Gothic script, gold bands at either breech, replacement barrels added to the original breech with Belgian proofs and added Briley choke tubes, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with extractor. The blued action displays beautiful deep carved floral scroll fences and "James Purdey & Sons" in the same gold inlaid Gothic script on either lockplate. Per the consignor, the engraving was carried out by Ken Hunt, although it is unsigned. Highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend and straight grip stock with teardrop flats and Decelerator recoil pad. Includes a leather bound takedown case with canvas cover. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech proved at 18.4/18.3 mm (.724/.720 inches) and measured .726/.723 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.037 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/8 inch drop at heel; 14 1/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs 6 oz.

Very fine, retaining 98% professionally reapplied blue finish, 99% gold inlaid finish, minor handling evidence, some chipping at the rear of the locks, a small crack running from the triggerplate to the action knuckle, a few light handling marks in the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.