Early on there were one or two articles in the Double Gun Journal featuring the Woodward Automatic. These were before 1996, and I do not have the articles nor have I read them.

Otherwise, Purdey has owned Woodward since before WW2 and has all records extant.

A little bit of history I can contribute: Take note the "Automatic" design refers to the cock-on-opening feature of this action. It first appeared in external hammer guns and was later applied to hammerless guns and rifles. Here are two photos I gleaned from the web of a lovely Woodward "Automatic" hammer double rifle. I wish I could call it my own.