This incredible pair of shotguns and extra barrel sets is accompanied by original documentation from their order, including an invoice from James Purdey & Sons Ltd. for "Norman Blank, Esq." on July 18, 1960, listing "A new pair of best 12 bore hammerless ejector double trigger side by side guns Nos. 26811-2. Flat matted ribs. Two new pairs of extra barrels fitted with flat matted ribs. Special engraving to each gun @ £80 each. Gold ovals with initials 'N.R.B.' engraved in script. Normal front sight gold. Inlaid in gold Nos. 1 & 2 on guns. All barrels 30 inch and chambered for 2-3/4 inch cartridges." for a net cost of £1,443. Norman Blank had visited Purdey in London and originally ordered one gun but then expanded it to be a pair with extra barrels. Subsequent documentation indicates that the second gun of the pair was sent back to Purdey in 1964 to be factory refinished and have work on the stock and case completed. Each gun in the pair was made with blued steel chopperlump barrels featuring a single bead sight on the matted flat solid rib which shows a gold "1" or "2" at the base, 1 1/4 inch wedges of fleur-de-lis engraving at either breech, "J. PURDEY & SON." and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND" signed on the left and right tubes respectively, and London nitro proof marks on the flats. Gun "1" is marked "SKEET" on the underside of the lump, and gun "2" is marked "DUCK" in the same location. The barrels for each gun are mated to a highly attractive coin finished self-opening sidelock action displaying deep relief chiseled floral scroll engraving accented by numerous gold inlaid dots bespeckling the entire surface. The engraving surrounds nitre blued bolts on the action, "J. Purdey & Sons" signed in gold on each lockplate, a grotesque mask with gold teeth on the underside of the action, and a smaller mask at the top of the action at the toplever which shows a gold "1" or "2". The engraving is signed "K HUNT" at the bottom of both lockplates for legendary Master Engraver Ken Hunt. The guns feature bushed firing pins, double triggers, cocking indicators on either lockplate, and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" indicator. The guns are each fitted with a gorgeous highly figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with coin finished and matching engraved shoe and Anson button release showing a gold "1" or "2" as well as a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, a script "NRB" in a gold inscription oval, and a checkered bare butt. Included is a second matching set of 30 inch barrels for each gun numbered "1" and "2" in gold respectively. Also included is a fine oak and leather takedown case with Purdey label that houses the entire set, four nickel snap caps, a nickel oiler, four spare firing pins with springs, turnscrews, and a full compliment of cleaning tools. Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and both measured .734 inches; choke constriction .006/.017 inches; minimum wall thickness .030/.030 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .734/.733 inches; choke constriction .002/.004 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.030 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 1 13/16 inch drop at heel; 15 9/16 inch length of pull; cast-on; weight 6 lbs. 15 oz.

Excellent, retaining 99% original blue, coin, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, sharp engraving, and a few small areas of dried grease in the coin finish. The wood is very fine with a few pressure marks, some scratches, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The extra barrel set has worn original blue finish. The case is very fine with minor storage wear.

As described in "A". Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and both measured .734 inches; choke constriction .006/.017 inches; minimum wall thickness .026/.027 inches. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at .729 inches and measured .735/.734 inches; choke constriction .020/.038 inches; minimum wall thickness .024/.022 inches; 1 7/16 inch drop at comb; 1 13/16 inch drop at heel; 15 9/16 inch length of pull; cast-on; weight 6 lbs. 15 oz. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Excellent, retaining 97% factory refurbished blue finish, 99% original coin and gold finishes, some spots of thinning on the left barrel near the breech, and some dried grease on the action in the coin finish. The factory refurbished wood is very fine with a few scratches, a ding at the right of the comb, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The extra barrel set has worn original blued finish. A wonderful opportunity to own a masterpiece set by one of the world's finest makers!