Exceptional Custom 1930 James Purdey & Sons Self-Opening 20 Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun & Case

Manufactured in 1930 according to specifications from included Purdey History Certificate. Features 27" blued steel nitro proof SxS barrels choked tight cylinder right and modified left. Originally proofed with 2.5" chambers for 7/8 oz. loads, they were subsequently reproofed with 2.75" chambers and 950 BAR. The gun features cocking indicators and a non-selective single trigger within the right side rolled edge trigger guard. This is a wonderful double that has been engraved and gold inlaid by master engraver Marcello Pedini, featuring his signature on the base of the receiver. The engraving consists of a wonderful relief intertwined foliate scroll accented with over 100 small gold embossed blossoms and accents within the scroll. The sidelocks and belly of action feature large gold embossed sporting scenes with finely executed bulino engraved backgrounds. The right lock shows two large gold-embossed dogs pursuing a duck, the belly shows two dogs in a resting position and the left shows two dogs on shore with a duck taking flight from the water. The action is finished in a wonderful French gray which shows off the beautiful engravings. The forend metal is engraved in fine scroll with over forty small gold embossed accents. The barrels have a small wedge of scroll on the rib at breech, which also presents with twenty-two small gold inlaid accents around their circumference. Features a finely figured walnut stock and beavertail forend. Forend features finely engraved metal and approximately 40 gold accents. English style straight grip stock with checkering and carved teardrops behind sideplates. Checkered buttplate. The shotgun includes a maker marked leather covered case with Purdey factory label and another showing proofing and chamber data. Small bore English factory case side by sides are very rare, even from the Tier 1 manufacturers. This is a wonderful 1930 production Purdey with a fine custom upgrade by master engraver Marcello Pedini. CALIBER: 20 Gauge. S/N: 23750. FFL STATUS: Curio & Relic.
Condition Report: Barrels retain 98% re-blue finish. All factory stamping is sharp, clear and legible. Receiver is in 98% condition after custom upgrade with very faint handling marks on the bottom and high edges. Buttstock and forend are in 99% condition with very faint use marks from extremely light handling.