A little history as I understand it. Back when, moneyed people were the ones shooting as guns, cartridges, colthing, and travel needed for shooting were expensive to cross your eyes. Oh, and that doesn't consider owning a place to shoot or the money to entertain socially to compensate for lack of a place to invite those who invited you to shoot. Guns were relatively new fangled and there was not a lot generally known about them. So, as noted above, the would-be shooter needed someone to advise him. That very person was called "your gunmaker." The shooter selected a gunmaker based on location, price, social circle, and, probably, harmony of personalities. The shooter then bought from the maker and the maker made sure that shooter was correctly fitted out and advised. Successful shooters were likely to be repeat customers so the maker had very good reason to do a good job.
Purdey's guns are made in London - this I know. Were I buying a new gun, the question would be to what standard it will be made. Steel and design patterns are global commodoties. Workmanship is getting to be that way. If Purdey's told me that the best lockmaker was in Turkey (right now I know that he isn't), I'd take their word for it. My impression is that if you are a real customer, Purdey's will spend all the time you care for in discussing and making sure you get what you want, within the realm of reasonability. If you simply say, "Gimme a gun," they will still do the best they can to get it right for you.
The last few % of quality are the expensive ones. This is true for all goods and services. The reliance on brand name/brand loyalty is a powerful market force. The making of a good name and the loss of a good name are triumph and tradgedy.
