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Back around 1995 or so I went into Purdey in London and gave them the serial number of this rifle. I was told that it was finished in 1942. I asked the salesman if this was as good a rifle as the pre war models. (thinking that all the good craftsmen would be involved in the War and only young apprentices and old retired guys would be around to do such a nonessential task) The silence was thick and cold.

"Of course it as good, it's a Purdey"

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Being a gunmaker was a reserved occupation during the second World War. So most gunmaking company's kept most of their staff on as they were given government contracts to work on.
Boss made Lancaster machine guns for example.
During the first World War they all lost about half their staff if not more.
Being finished in 1942 doesn't mean anything quality wise.

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