I have for sale a lovely James Purdey & Sons London Best Self Opener in 12 gauge.  This particular gun was built in 1900 during the Golden Age of Gun Building when Purdey was at the top of the gun building trade and producing guns showing only the absolute highest workmanship.  This gun is marked "2" of a pair that were broken up sometime in the past.  Stock dimensions are 1 1/2 X 2 1/8 X 14 7/8 over a newly installed leather covered pad.  Weight of the gun is 6 pounds 12 ounces and it balances exactly on the hinge pin giving balance that makes the gun feel alive in your hands.  

In 1975 the gun was returned to Purdey where it was restocked in a piece of wood that you seldom find on any Purdey.  Hopefully you can see the wonderful dark swirls on the golden background with the oil finish that only the english seem to know how to do.  Checkering is near perfect as is the finish with only the very slightest of imperfections on the stock which are so small they won't show in the photos.  I can only imagine what it would cost today to have this gun stocked by Purdey with this quality of wood if you could even find a piece of wood like this.  Slight cast off for the right handed shooter.  Stock has vacant oval gold shield.  

It comes to you with original 30 inch Sir Joseph Whitworth Fluid Steel barrels which have bores of .734 right, and .738 left.  Chokes are .022 right (modified), .026 (improved modified) left.  Minimum barrel wall thickness is .023.  Chambers are 2 3/4 inches and the gun was re-proofed when it was in London for 3 1/4 tons and 1 1/8 OZ of shot.  All work done by Purdey with receipts for their work.  

Receiver is case colored with about 50% remaining and all screws in excellent condition.  Barrel black is at 98-99% condition.  All numbers match on the gun and I had it completely gone through this past week by Gunsmith Dave Vanden Brand.  He checked the gun thoroughly and even pulled the locks and said the gun appears to have been fired very little or not at all since it was stocked in 1975 and there are no cracks inside or out.  In short the gun is ready for the next 100 years of service.  

The gun comes to you in a nice leather motor case with the Purdey labels.  The case is in excellent plus condition.  Also included are a paid of Purdey snap caps and all receipts for the work performed by Purdey in 1975.  

Price of the gun is $23900 plus actual shipping to your FFL.  There is a three day non-firing inspection period with the buyer paying shipping charges if returned.  I have additional photos for interested buyers, just ask.