James Purdey was trained as a stocker, and it was his obsession with measuring customers accurately on which Purdey’s unrivalled reputation was first built. To this day – more than 200 years since the first Purdey was made – the brand prides itself on its fully bespoke service.
When placing your order for a Purdey, you set in train a process of hand-crafting that may take up to two years to complete. The journey begins with a fitting at the West London Shooting Ground using a ‘try gun’; continues with your selection of everything from the engraving to the wood stock; and finishes with a piece as much art as weapon.
Traditionally, engraving guns served a practical purpose – softening the face of the metal, lessening reflection which might otherwise give the, er, game away. Now, of course, engraving is more of an art form – whether you choose from a traditional Purdey rose and scroll, or prefer to have your favourite bird (grouse not spouse).
For more info, see purdey.com
