(Circa 2001). Chopper lump barrels with modern British nitro proofs that indicate manufacture circa 2001 (proofs for 2001 and 2004), as a 12 gauge with 3" chambers, a nominal 18.5 IBD in both barrels, and at 1200 BAR. Solid stippled rib fit with a steel bead forebead, engraved "J. Purdey & Sons. London" on left side of top tube. Bottom tube with serial number, and action flat facet with "78213/4" tube numbers. Fit for Briley chokes, top is currently Light Mod, bottom is Improved Cylinder. Slim game forearm is fit with an Anson plunger release on a reinforced forearm tip, external iron and screws engraved with florals on a stippled ground, with bottom lip engraved 'PURDEY" in a ribbon. Interior iron with matching serial numbers. Sidelocks engraved with almost complete coverage of outstanding rolling floral scroll, with "J. PURDEY & SONS" in a ribbon on slightly raised sections of bolsters, and fit with gold line cocking indicators. Interior of action with "(Crown) / CP" proof. Single non-selective mechanical trigger protected by a right-rolled trigger guard with case colored interior and trigger guard. Engraving signed "S. J. Kelly" abutting trigger guard for Stephen Kelly, foremost among Purdey's house engravers. Interestingly, trigger and interior of trigger guard are case colored, but exterior is polished bright. Long tang runs to pistol grip cap, both of which are engraved en suite. Non-auto safety with "SAFE" engraved ahead of tab. Checkered about the wrist in a point pattern, and inset at the toe line with a vanity plate engraved "JSD". Nicely figured smokey-grained walnut is capped by a leather-wrapped recoil pad with covered screws. Housed in a leather-wrapped case with wine colored interior, James Purdey trade label in lid, and containing accessories comprising 2 piece cleaning rod, snap caps, Purdey oil bottle, wallet with brush, jag, and mop, and horn striker pot with spare strikers in a paper packet numbered to the gun. CONDITION: Excellent, showing very little evidence of use. Barrels with virtually all of their factory bluing with some minor thinning over chambers. Stocks excellent with some handling marks and use marks from the field, most offensive a small rub on left side of forearm tip. Locks are excellent with crisp engraving, some minor oil staining and small areas of cleaned oxidation under bars. Mechanically fine, bores are excellent with minor haloing and signs of use, ejectors are fine and in time. Case excellent. Accessories: Case Barrel Length: 28" Barrel Wall Thickness: (O) .034 (U) .035 Chamber: 3" Choke: Briley Drop at Comb: 1 - 3/8" Drop at Heel: 1 - 7/8" FFL Status: Modern Gauge: 12 Bore Internal Bore Diameter: (O) .727 (U) .725 Length of Pull: 14 - 3/4" Manufacturer: James Purdey & Sons Model: Best O/U Serial Number: 29988 Weight: 7 lbs 4.5oz