John-
Good to hear from you. I'm glad you're posting again.
You may be right. I was thinking about this some more. I may be wrong with my Russian claim, but I don't know about Italy.
I would throw Belgium or France in as possible countries of origin. The gun may have been made on the Continent and then brought into the UK for some finishing and proofing. Before the 20th century, I don't think the guns had to be proofed in their country of origin or marked as imports.
I do not think it's English - Purdey or otherwise.
Stay well, John.
OWD
