There are a number of versions of Purdey Bar in Wood guns with some of the first versions having back action locks with a snap action thumb leaver opening. Other early Purdey Bar in wood guns have a rather strange top rib arrangement rather detracting from the guns looks. Also Purdey did build two distinct opening methods the early snap action guns where fitted with a thumb leaver opening while the later versions were top leaver opening. The later guns where built with bar actions having rebounding locks. Now here I will say that I do have a vested interest in Purdey Bar in Wood guns because I have used one continually for the last fifty plus years without fault. The gun I have is a second patent model thumb opening snap action fitted with rebounding locks and a bar action, this model Richard Beaumont did say had one of the smoothest lines and one of the most pleasing looking guns Purdey made if you would like to own one they would still build you one but no price was mentioned.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The only lessons in my life I truly did learn from where the ones I paid for!