This rifle was completed in 1884 per the information on page 194 of Donald Dallas' "Purdey Gun & Rifle Makers: The Definitive History" and was purchased by Norman R. Blank from his friend W. Keith Neal. The rifle has blued barrels featuring a blade front sight, fixed notch rear sight, front sling swivel, partial period London black powder proof marks on and ahead of the flats, and "J. PURDEY & SONS. AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON." signed on the solid top rib. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened treble grip Beesley type sidelock action which has lovely relief carved fences and is covered with fine classic Purdey bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding "J. PURDEY & SONS" signatures on either lockplate and "PURDEY'S/PATENT" on the underside. The rifle features bushed firing pins, cocking indicators, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety with secondary bolt safety, both with gold inlaid indicators. The rifle is fitted with a figured and multipoint checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings including the Anson button release and a pistol grip stock with casehardened and engraved grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, blank silver inscription oval, and a checkered steel buttplate. Length of pull 14 3/4 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 4 oz. Provenance: W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very good as professionally refurbished, retaining 95% plus blue finish on the barrels, 25% original case colors with the balance a fine silver patina, traces of the original blue on the triggerguard, some oxidation on the barrels towards the muzzle, and overall light handling evidence. The wood is very fine with a few minor marks, a tiny chip in the forend, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.