Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is gun #2 of a matched pair. The location of Gun #1 is unknown and heard lost or destroyed. This incredible example was made by Purdey in 1893. The engraving on it is simply fantastic. It was most likely cut by James Lucas. From 1855 to 1915, Lucas was Purdey’s head engraver, and he helped to develop the fine, tight scroll work that became the “rose & scroll” engraving pattern for which the best-quality British doubles are known for.
12 Guage. 2-1/2″ Chambers. 30″ inch barrels are engraved James Purdey & Sons, Audley House, South Audley Street. London. and Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid Pressed Steel on narrow concave rib. Barrel flats are stamped with London black powder proofs and Guage. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with serial number 15112. Tube numbers 14849 and 14850 are on loop. Beesley patent self-opening action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, engraved arrow head tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers. Action is engraved in typical Purdey house style rose and scroll. Engraving is exceptionally fine and well detailed, most likely by J. Lucas, head engraver. “J. Purdey & Sons” is on each lockplate, and “Purdey’s Patent” is on bottom of action. Scroll engraved trigger guard has serial number…