Though I think the Scott Imperial SLE might have been at lest the same price of a Purdey.....I remember Jack "La Becasse" Dudley mentioning that fact on a Premier he had from around 1900...& they seem to have wonderfull engraving, loads of birds as well as lovely scroll...very tastey to my eyes.
I miss Jack & his Gunlist
I would kill for a good condition Premier:)
Cheers
Franc