I have owned the following; AyA 53, Grulla 209, W&C Scott, WJ Jeffery, Purdey, Gibbs hammer gun, AyA #2, Garbi 103 A, Arrieta 578, Arrieta 900 series special, B Rizzini BR550, J Dickson boxlock (a Scott action).
Even though the Purdey is from 1893 it is the by far the best, finished, balance, patterns, engraving.
The Jeffery had great engraving and was finished on the outside as a best gun but the lockwork was not up there with Purdey.
The Scott and Dickson were finished and balanced great with good engraving and stockwork.
The AyA, Grulla and Arrieta 578 are hard to beat for the money. Metal work including locks is excellent, wood fit not perfect but close.
The Garbi is a pigeon gun and excellent just not as good as the Purdey or the Arrieta 900 series special, which was ordered by the Pres of a company and has fit, finish and game scene engraving that is top shelf. This is a pair of guns and for the price would be impossible to duplicate.
Almost forgot the B Rizzini is a nice gun but trigger is not as good as any of the previous mentioned guns. The rolled on engraving lacks something. All of these guns except the Rizzini were bought second hand. I think Arrieta comes the closest to matching an English best
