I would think that number would be about right. This one was made in 1880 for Lord Halstead. I have been to Purdey's to check the dimension book entry for it.
It has 28" damascus barrels, and a bar-in-wood action. The stock is nicely figured but only 13 3/4". However, it has been cut-down for a child in the past and the original off-cut was still in the case. I'll re-fit it, the join will be pretty much invisible and take it out to 14 1/2".
The chap I got it from has kept the case! He wants to sell that separately and make few extra pounds!!!
The locks retain a lot of their original colour and the furniture has been re-blued in the past. The barrels are a bit pitted and I'm measuting the walls this evening to see how much meat we have to play with. I think they will be fine.
It is in proof but I would like to clean the bores up a little.
The operation is by top-lever and the locks are bar-action. The action face is pretty clean apart from some powder burn around the striker holes. Engraving is fine rose and scroll of typical Purdey style.
I'm pleased with it, it was a good find. Gavin Gardiner sold one with a thumb lever for £9000 plus commission this month! Bonham's sold one like mine in the summer for £6,800 plus commission and that had extremely thin barrels.
Thanks Gerorgwe for the insights. I'm sure it will be much slicker next time in Columbia.
