doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Purdey thunb break

Does anyone know what year Purdey first introduced the 2nd version of the thunb break action?

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/

First pattern 1863 and as far as I can see the second pattern came in in 1866. Lagopus�..

Donald Dallas' book on Purdey shows a second pattern thumb-hole shotgun (#7745) dated 1868. I couldn't find a date for the second pattern in the book. By mid-late 1868 Purdey entered an agreement with W&C Scott & Son to use their top lever. First top-levers used by Purdey were numbers 7726/7 in 1868.

Ken

2nd pattern is much more refined and aesthetically more pleasing. Despite what some people say...it�s ergonomic and can be operated quickly. Classy..I always thought the whole mechanism coupled with the trigger guard tang resembled a fine sword hand guard. Just cool.

My second pattern was built in 1869, I dont know what people say bad about them though I will say they look extremely sleek in shape no external lumps and bumps only the hammers also they shoot extremely well, though they do take a little time to get use to the different opening for loading. Once you have got to grips with that they are a pleasure to use and as fast loading as any top leaver. Being a gun designed over a 150 years ago the only down side I have found after fifty years of using mine is no choke.
At least when you miss using one to these guns you miss with style.

If you Would like to see examples of both the first and second patent thumb levers, go to Watson�s brothers used gun sales online in London and you Can view examples of both types.