British Heritage
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James Purdey & Sons
A Testament to British Heritage in Craftsmanship.
The history of Britain is a rich tapestry woven with tales of industrial progress, royal heritage, and world-leading craftsmanship. A prominent thread in this fabric is James Purdey & Sons, a long-standing hallmark of British excellence. Often simply referred to as 'Purdey', this London-based firm has become synonymous with high-end bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles. Its distinguished reputation and royal patronage testify to its significant contribution to British heritage.
James Purdey established the eponymous company in 1814 in Princes Street, London. Before venturing on his own, Purdey served as the head stocker for Joseph Manton, one of the era's most renowned gunmakers. This apprenticeship with Manton prepared Purdey for his own journey into the world of fine gun making.
In 1826, a decisive change of scenery took place as Purdey moved its operations to Manton's former Oxford Street premises. James Purdey the Younger, the founder's son, took the reins of the business in 1858. Under his leadership, the company navigated a period of rapid change and technological advancements in gun and rifle designs.
From muzzle-loading flintlocks in the 1820s to breech-loading hammerless ejectors by the 1880s, Purdey was a paragon of progress. James the Younger was instrumental in this evolution, pioneering several technical innovations that were later adopted by competitors.
The Purdey legacy is profoundly intertwined with the evolution of British firearms. From the company's early transition from flintlock to percussion cap, then to hammer centre-fire guns and eventually to the self-opening hammerless gun of 1880, the name Purdey has been a synonym for innovation and refinement.
This self-opening hammerless gun, designed by Frederick Beesley, a Purdey employee, revolutionised gun design. Beesley's patent was purchased by Purdey in 1880 for £55 and was the precursor to the incorporation of ejectors a decade later. Since then, the side-by-side gun design has undergone continuous refinement, maintaining Purdey's position at the forefront of the industry.
In 1900, Athol Purdey, succeeded his father at the helm and shepherded the company through the prosperous Edwardian era and World War I, where Purdey contributed to the war effort by manufacturing gun parts and other ordnance for the War Department. Following Athol's retirement circa 1929, the business was taken over by his sons, James and Tom, both war veterans.
Purdey's reputation for innovation carried into the 20th century. In 1949, the company acquired J.Woodward & Sons, and with it, the patent for the "over & under" gun design. Purdey continues to create custom, handcrafted rifles and shotguns, carrying forward a tradition of meticulous attention to detail. A testament to their craftsmanship, a new Purdey shotgun today can cost upwards of £89,000.
The sixth generation of the family, Richard Purdey, retired as chairman in February 2007. Subsequent chairpersons have included Nigel Beaumont and James Horne, with Dan Jago holding the position as of 2023.
In 1946, after 132 years of family ownership, Purdey underwent a shift in ownership. Hugh Seely, 1st Baron Sherwood, bought the company, marking the end of direct Purdey family control. Further ownership changes took place in 1994, when The Hon Richard Beaumont sold the company to Compagnie Financière Richemont SA.
As a further testament to its significance to British heritage, James Purdey & Sons has been bestowed with royal recognition. The company's relationship with the royal family dates back to 1838 when Queen Victoria purchased a pair of Purdey pistols.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the company catered to an illustrious clientele, including various Indian princes, supplying them with ornate guns and rifles. The first Royal Warrant was granted to the company in 1868 by The Prince of Wales, later known as King Edward VII. Today, the company holds multiple Royal Warrants, affirming its continued standing in British society.
James Purdey & Sons stands as an emblem of British heritage, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate while remaining true to its historical roots. Its guns and rifles, woven into the fabric of British aristocracy and sport, are a testament to the company's enduring commitment to excellence. Its story continues to be written in the heart of London, in the same premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where it moved back in 1882. A memorial plaque, unveiled on 30 April 1992 by the City of Westminster, marks this significant site, honouring Purdey's undeniable impact on British craftsmanship.
Today, as we reflect on the legacy of James Purdey & Sons, we pay homage to not just a brand, but a British institution that has carved its niche in the annals of British history, its significance echoing with each discharge of a Purdey firearm. The resounding legacy of James Purdey & Sons lies not just in its physical products but in its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the preservation of British heritage.
Birth of a British Icon
James Purdey established the eponymous company in 1814 in Princes Street, London. Before venturing on his own, Purdey served as the head stocker for Joseph Manton, one of the era's most renowned gunmakers. This apprenticeship with Manton prepared Purdey for his own journey into the world of fine gun making.
In 1826, a decisive change of scenery took place as Purdey moved its operations to Manton's former Oxford Street premises. James Purdey the Younger, the founder's son, took the reins of the business in 1858. Under his leadership, the company navigated a period of rapid change and technological advancements in gun and rifle designs.
From muzzle-loading flintlocks in the 1820s to breech-loading hammerless ejectors by the 1880s, Purdey was a paragon of progress. James the Younger was instrumental in this evolution, pioneering several technical innovations that were later adopted by competitors.
The Purdey Legacy
The Purdey legacy is profoundly intertwined with the evolution of British firearms. From the company's early transition from flintlock to percussion cap, then to hammer centre-fire guns and eventually to the self-opening hammerless gun of 1880, the name Purdey has been a synonym for innovation and refinement.
This self-opening hammerless gun, designed by Frederick Beesley, a Purdey employee, revolutionised gun design. Beesley's patent was purchased by Purdey in 1880 for £55 and was the precursor to the incorporation of ejectors a decade later. Since then, the side-by-side gun design has undergone continuous refinement, maintaining Purdey's position at the forefront of the industry.
In 1900, Athol Purdey, succeeded his father at the helm and shepherded the company through the prosperous Edwardian era and World War I, where Purdey contributed to the war effort by manufacturing gun parts and other ordnance for the War Department. Following Athol's retirement circa 1929, the business was taken over by his sons, James and Tom, both war veterans.
The Modern Era and Continued Innovation
Purdey's reputation for innovation carried into the 20th century. In 1949, the company acquired J.Woodward & Sons, and with it, the patent for the "over & under" gun design. Purdey continues to create custom, handcrafted rifles and shotguns, carrying forward a tradition of meticulous attention to detail. A testament to their craftsmanship, a new Purdey shotgun today can cost upwards of £89,000.
The sixth generation of the family, Richard Purdey, retired as chairman in February 2007. Subsequent chairpersons have included Nigel Beaumont and James Horne, with Dan Jago holding the position as of 2023.
Shift in Ownership
In 1946, after 132 years of family ownership, Purdey underwent a shift in ownership. Hugh Seely, 1st Baron Sherwood, bought the company, marking the end of direct Purdey family control. Further ownership changes took place in 1994, when The Hon Richard Beaumont sold the company to Compagnie Financière Richemont SA.
Royal Recognition
As a further testament to its significance to British heritage, James Purdey & Sons has been bestowed with royal recognition. The company's relationship with the royal family dates back to 1838 when Queen Victoria purchased a pair of Purdey pistols.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the company catered to an illustrious clientele, including various Indian princes, supplying them with ornate guns and rifles. The first Royal Warrant was granted to the company in 1868 by The Prince of Wales, later known as King Edward VII. Today, the company holds multiple Royal Warrants, affirming its continued standing in British society.
A Living Legacy
James Purdey & Sons stands as an emblem of British heritage, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate while remaining true to its historical roots. Its guns and rifles, woven into the fabric of British aristocracy and sport, are a testament to the company's enduring commitment to excellence. Its story continues to be written in the heart of London, in the same premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where it moved back in 1882. A memorial plaque, unveiled on 30 April 1992 by the City of Westminster, marks this significant site, honouring Purdey's undeniable impact on British craftsmanship.
Today, as we reflect on the legacy of James Purdey & Sons, we pay homage to not just a brand, but a British institution that has carved its niche in the annals of British history, its significance echoing with each discharge of a Purdey firearm. The resounding legacy of James Purdey & Sons lies not just in its physical products but in its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the preservation of British heritage.
- James Purdey & Sonsen.wikipedia.org
