Damascus, I understand that Purdey did challenge it until it was pointed out to them that early Purdey guns were marked 'Purdey from Manton'. I was looking at a muzzle loading gun by Alden & Smith marked 'From Manton' the other week. Seems that it was the practice to boast their lineage. I think Evans just worked in the Purdey shop and all his guns were made in the wider trade when he went alone. Lagopus.....