James Purdey established his gun and rifle making business at premises in Prince's street.
Within ten years he was being spoken of as the finest gunmaker in London.

Purdey moved to 314 and 1/2 Oxford Street, this remained home for the business for 57 years.

James Purdey the Younger was born.

James Purdey the Younger apprenticed to the firm at the age of 14.

First Purdey Breech-Loader

At the age of 30 James Purdey the Younger took over the running of the company from his father. James the Younger was always at the forefront of change and advances in the design and building of his guns and rifles, and took out several patents for technical innovations over the years, many of which were adopted by other gunmakers.

Purdey bolt patented and James Purdey the Founder dies aged 79.

First centre fire gun.

On 12 February Purdey received its first Royal Warrant. By appointment to the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.

Queen Victoria had purchased many guns and rifles from Purdey and on 29 March granted the Royal Warrant to the business.

The Beesley Self-Opening Action patented.

Purdey moved to new prem­ises at 57-58 South Audley Street, where the company is still situated today. At this time the premises also included gunmaking workshops and cartridge loading facilities.

Athol Purdey took over from his father, James Purdey the Younger.

-1918 Purdey fits up sniper rifles and supplies other items to the War Department.

Athol’s younger son, Tom, joined the firm.

The first Over-and-Under action was developed by Ernest and Harry Lawrence.

Athol retires, passing the business to Jim and Tom.

Purdey acquired James Woodward & Sons, a London gunmaker noted for their outstanding Over-and-Under guns. The design remains the basis for Purdey "Best" Over-and-Under guns to this day.

Nigel Beaumont, cousin of Richard Beaumont, joined Purdey’s from university to start a gunmaking apprenticeship. He went on to become Managing Director in 1994

James Purdey & Sons Ltd acquired by the Richemont Group. Athol Purdey’s great-grandson, Richard, is appointed Chairman.

Nigel Beaumont becomes Chairman following the retirement of Richard Purdey (pictured here).

First Purdey Sporter gun.

First Purdey Damascus gun.

Purdey celebrate 200 years in business and an unbroken lineage, descending from London’s ‘King of Gunmakers’. In order to mark the bicentenary Purdey issue a Bicentenary Trio, a special commemorative production of two shotguns and a double rifle.