https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/james-purdey-sons-limited

https://www.[censored].com/shotguns/gun...ccessories.html

1870 - 1880

In 1870, Purdey patented the now-ubiquitous, thumb-operated mechanism that allows shooters to open breech-loading guns while maintaining grip on the stock. The Purdey innovation proved to be revolutionary during a period when the underlever action was typical on breech loaders.
purdey.trio-12borePurdey’s patented thumb-operated lever is clearly visible on the Purdey Bicentenary Trio 12-gauge side-by-side game gun.

In 1879, Purdey stockermaker Frederick Beesley invented the Beesley self-opening system, which employs residual energy of the mainspring into opening the gun and ejecting the spent cartridges. Patented in 1880, all Purdey side-by-side hammerless guns and rifles have used it ever since.

I do not know why the above link is censored
[censored].com

or

https://dailycaller.com/2014/03/02/shotgun-history-purdey-celebrates-200-years/

Last edited by skeettx; 11/08/18 10:06 PM.
USAF RET 1971-95 [Linked Image from jpgbox.com]