James Purdey, the world's best gunmaker for over 200 years.
In 1814, James Purdey established his gun and rifle-making business at premises in Prince’s Street, just off Leicester Square, and within ten years was regarded as the finest gunmaker in London. By 1858, his son took over the running of the company from his father. Being at the forefront of change and advances in the design and construction of his guns and rifles, James the Younger improved on his father’s legacy by taking out several patents for technical innovations, many of which were adopted by other gunmakers, such as the Purdey bolt. In 1868, Purdey received its first Royal Warrant by appointment to the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII, with Queen Victoria also granting an additional warrant ten years later, such was her love of their prestigious guns. Shortly after this, Purdey moved to new premises at 57 South Audley Street, where it offered gun-making workshops and cartridge-loading facilities, and this is where the company is still situated to this day.
At the turn of the century, Athol Purdey took over from his father, James Purdey the Younger, with his two sons, James & Thomas, joining the firm after recovering from serious injuries sustained fighting in France during WW1. The two brothers later took over the business, though, due to the economic downturn caused by WW2, sold the majority of their shares to Hugh & Victor Seeley, and continued to establish Purdey as the best gun makers on a global scale with the help of expert gunsmith Harry Lawrence.
After Richard Beaumont took over the business in the fifties, his wife, the Hon Mrs Richard Beaumont, went on to set up the James Purdey clothing and accessories shop in adjoining premises on Mount Street in the early Seventies. The shop sold a range of exclusive, high-quality shooting clothing and was the first London gunmaker to do so. Since then, Purdey have celebrated their bicentenary in 2014 and are firmly established as an iconic name synonymous with unrivalled gun-making craftsmanship, as well as having forged a reputation as suppliers of excellent outdoor attire and accessories.
We are so proud to work with Purdey, long may that continue!
by Neil Summers.
