Manufactured around 1938 according to Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London." Blued steel chopperlump barrels with a single brass bead sight on the matted concave solid rib, single bands of engraving at either breech, and "J. PURDEY & SONS." and "AUDLEY HOUSE, SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND." marked on the left and right barrels respectively. The barrel flats are stamped with 1976 dated London nitro reproof marks including the 2 1/2 inch chambers which feature selective ejectors as well as "2 1/2" CASE" inlaid in gold on the under rib behind the forend lug. The casehardened self-opening sidelock action displays beautifully executed classic Purdey bouquet & scroll engraving covering the entirety of the action and lockplates surrounding "J. PURDEY & SONS" on either lockplate and "J. PURDEY & SONS./LONDON./ENGLAND." on the underside, with the engraving extending to the toplever, both tangs, and the triggerguard. The gun features bushed firing pins, a single non-selective trigger, right hand rolled triggerguard, and tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid "SAFE". Highly figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with blue finished engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and pistol grip stock with teardrop carved flats, a blank inscription oval, horn grip cap, and checkered hard rubber buttplate. Included with the gun is a wood and leather takedown case with factory label on the interior lid containing two nickel nap caps and an oiler. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .729 inches and both measured at .733 inches; choke constriction .005/.026 inches; minimum wall thickness .023/.024 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 7/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 5 lbs. 12 oz.

Very fine, retaining 90% plus refurbished blue with thinning concentrated at the breeches, 40% original case colors with the balance an attractive silver patina, light handling evidence, and right lock sitting proud of the stock. The wood is also very fine with a few light dings and scratches, sharp checkering, and a well-concealed wedge repair on the pistol grip. The case is very good. Mechanically excellent.