VHE 20 ga

[edgarspencer]

The intentional lack of engraving on higher grade guns (guns which ordinarily would be engraved in keeping with the standards) are surely a rarity. This rarity factor would clearly make them more valuable to those that want to assemble a collection of out-of-the-norm guns finished as intended, as opposed to simple errors. However, my appreciation is in the details of the quality of fit and finish, where stockmakers and engravors worked to the upper limits. These special ordered 'plain' guns would be lost on me. This notwithstanding, I find it very interesting to know of this facet of the company's history.

[Bill Murphy]

Edgar, there seems to be a more positive outlook toward unengraved best guns in Great Britain than here. The Purdeys with largely unengraved, blued frames are quite striking, in my opinion. Many of them have deeply carved breech balls though.