James Purdey & Sons is a British gunmaker founded in 1814 by James Purdey in London. The firm is widely regarded, alongside Holland & Holland, as one of the two finest shotgun and rifle makers in the world. Purdey has held Royal Warrants from the British Royal Family continuously since the reign of Queen Victoria, and its guns have been used by heads of state, aristocrats, and serious shooting sportsmen for over two centuries. The company has been owned by the Richemont group (parent of Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and others) since 1994.
Purdey's core products are bespoke shotguns and rifles, with the sidelock over-and-under and sidelock side-by-side shotguns being the most iconic models. Each gun is hand-built in Purdey's London factory by a team of specialist craftsmen over a period of approximately two years, involving roughly 750 hours of labor. The process includes hand-filing actions, hand-engraving, stock carving from seasoned walnut blanks, and meticulous fitting and regulation. Purdey also offers a range of luxury country clothing, leather goods, accessories, and lifestyle products designed for the shooting field and country pursuits. The brand's clothing line includes tweed, waterproof outerwear, and accessories.
Purdey operates from its historic premises at Audley House on South Audley Street in Mayfair, London, which has served as the company's home since 1882. The building houses the showroom, fitting rooms, gun room, and the Long Room where finished guns are displayed. Purdey guns typically start at approximately 100,000 GBP for a new bespoke shotgun, with waiting lists of several years. Vintage Purdey guns are avidly collected and traded, with exceptional examples reaching six figures at auction. The brand represents the absolute pinnacle of British gunmaking craft.