Pair of Engraved James Purdey & Sons Shotguns - 192A

James Purdey & Sons stands proud among the best of the best in the fine arms trade and has done so for over 200 years. This pair of magnificent shotguns is a prime example of the craftsmanship that one can expect from this old and storied maker of fine guns and rifles. Each gun is built with blued steel chopperlump barrels and features a single bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib which show a flourish of scroll at the base, single bands of engraving at either breech, "J. PURDEY & SONS." and "AUDLEY HOUSE. SOUTH AUDLEY STREET. LONDON. ENGLAND." marked on the left and right tubes respectively, and an import mark under the forend on the under rib. Gun "A" 1994 date London proofs on the flats showing 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors while "B" shows 1995 dated proofs and the same chambers. The bottom of the rear lumps are marked "R. 55%" and "L. 60%" on "A" and "R. 60%" and "L. 65%" on "B" indicating the choke constrictions by the percentage of shot present in a 30 inch circle at 40 yards. Both of the guns have exceptionally lovely coin finished self-opening sidelock actions displaying gorgeous extensive deluxe scroll engraving with matted background giving the entire piece a strong dimensionality. The scrollwork extends to the toplever, triggerguard, and both the upper and lower tangs adding to the elegance of the guns. Tucked into the scroll are "J. PURDEY & SONS" signatures on either lockplate along with "J. PURDEY & SONS/LONDON. ENGLAND." on the underside. The work is signed "S. J. KELLY." on the triggerplate to the right of the triggerguard by renowned and highly skilled master engraver. The actions feature bushed firing pins, gold centerline cocking indicators, right hand rolled triggerguard, a single gold trigger, and a tang mounted automatic safety with gold "SAFE". Each gun has a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered beavertail forend with matching coined and engraved fittings including the push button style release along with a straight grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, "AFJ" inlaid in gold behind lower tang, and a coined and engraved skeleton buttplate around the checkered butt. Barrel and stock measurements (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proofed at 18.5mm (.728 inches) and measured .731/.728 inches; choke constriction .015/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .033/.034 inches; 1 9/16 inch drop at comb; 2 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 15/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.

Condition: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and coin finishes with only limited handling evidence. The wood is also excellent with a few tiny scratches, a slight chip on the left side of the forend, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent