Purdey's have kindly confirmed that the gun was completed in 1933 and it comes complete with a set of correspondence regarding its manufacture. Major Edward P. Hamilton of Milton, Massachusetts, U.S.A. was obviously a most particular customer as Purdey's went to great pains to answer a number of most detailed questions. Some of their answers are as follows:-

'Your specification is most explicit.... you may rely that nothing shall be lacking with regard to the fitting of the lock plates, trigger plate, and other work, also that particular care shall be given to the engraving, and to the shooting of the gun.

'Special care shall be given to the adjustment of the forepart

'Our barrels are of the very finest steel, and 'chopper-lumped'

'Care shall be given to carry out your wishes as to the top safety

And finally:-

'We have pleasure to advise you that your new gun has been shipped per S.S."Aquitania" sailing to-day'

Signed 'Tom Purdey'
3rd June 1933

In keeping with the original owner's obvious preferences, the gun appears to have been very little used