For some years, the main Purdey engraver was a German who used the deeper style which isn't to the tastes of many. This gentleman was a fine engraver but just had a non-English style. He died in a traffic accident so there were not too many years of this engraving. Now the Purdey engravers are very good, but the "American style" with which they often advertise is not done with much artistry. It is individual patterns which are usually not connected to other patterns in the engraved areas. Now it is well crafted, but there is no artistry in it. It reminds me of some of the Bulino engraving from Italy. These works often use up to 5 engravers. One specializes in people (nekked or not), one in dogs, one in background scenery, etc. The problem is that even though the individual artists are superb, these individual elements are not tied together...therefore lacking artistry. You can tell something is wrong, but it is hard to figure out just what. Now the Purdey "American style" suffers this in greater amount as there is sometimes no attempt to put them together. Now if someone without taste has ordered this...fine. But to use this as an advertising plum can turn people off. These can be seen in the Double Gun Journal over the last few years.

"American style" engraving is a term for larger scroll which is often seen with similar gold inlays is straight line work and the larger scroll. Purdey has added stylized animals and features to this and it is, frankly, quite silly looking.

Bonanza, The flag is great, but the pickup.........all depends upon the type. Hope you aren't a Cheby man....that would be obscene!