Beesley made several Beesley 1880/31 Patent guns to match Purdey guns on bespoke order only. Some of the reasons: According to Dallas or Beaumont, I forget exactly the reference, James the Younger had closed his books for the year. He wasn't taking any more orders. So they went to Beesley at 2 St. James and his crew on Pickering Place made them up. Some people wanted a gun to match their Purdey so they went to Fred. Maybe some liked dealing with the Beesley organization. It was not for price, because FB often charged more than Purdey did!
Scotts had the license from Purdey for the 1880/31 patent for Birmingham guns from Purdey. Francotte had the continental license from Purdey. I saw one of these at Stephan Hutton's that I think came out of a Julia auction. I have pictures of it and it will be in the book. Francotte also feature the action as their top design in many of their pre-war catalogs. There is more to the story.
