The makers have kindly confirmed that this gun was completed on April 22, 1895 for Adam Fairri with 30 inch Whitworth steel barrels and a pistol grip stock. Serial number 15728 (the following lot) was built to match in 1896. This gun was returned to Purdey in 1910 and 1928 for stock adjustments. New barrels were fitted in 1986. Blued steel chopper lump barrels with single steel bead sight on the matted tile cut vent rib which is marked with a "1" towards the breech along with a flourish of scrollwork, "J. PURDEY & SONS." and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON, ENGLAND." marked on the left and right respectively, 1984 dated London nitro proof marks, and 2 3/4" chambers. The coin finish self-opening sidelock action displays beautiful Purdey bouquet rose & scroll engraving surrounding "J. PURDEY & SONS." on either lockplate. The engraving continues onto the trigger guard, both tangs, and the toplever. The gun features blue removable bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety catch with gold inlaid "SAFE". Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and straight grip stock with teardrop drop points, blank gold inscription oval, and checkered bare butt. Includes a Brady leather takedown case containing a pair of snap caps and a cleaning rod. This gun is the first in a non-consecutive matched pair with the following lot. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .729 inches and measured .731 inches; choke constriction .025/.041 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.030 inches; 1 5/8 inch drop at comb; 2 7/16 inch drop at heel; 14 7/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs.

Very fine as professionally restored, rebarrelled, and restocked retaining 99% blue finish, attractive smooth coin finish and crisp engraving on the action and locks, minor handling evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.