If your gun was indeed built in 1893 it likely had Whitworth steel barrels as Purdey was one of the earliest makers to promote steel.
Your "professional" is already off base with his comments.
Be careful!!! . As mentioned above , the proof marks, under the barrels, will tell most of the story.

Last edited by Terry Lubzinski; 01/17/10 06:20 PM.
Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought stupid,than open it and confirm.