Author:
[ James Purdey & Sons Ltd, London gunsmiths; C. Harry Lawrence (c.1900-1984); Worshipful Company of Gunmakers; Angus Ogilvy; Sir William Fellowes; Christopher Bonham-Carter; Sir Frederick Browning ]
Publication details:
From various locations in England and the United States, including Buckingham Palace, Sandringham, and the firm's headquarters, Audley House, 57-58 South Audley Street, London. Dating from between around 1914 to 1987.
Charles Harry Lawrence (hereafter CHL) was perhaps the finest gunmaker of the twentieth century. At the age of 14 he joined James Purdey & Sons as an actioner's apprentice, and he remained with the firm for the rest of his life. For fifteen years, ending in 1970, he was the firm's managing director. He was twice (1954 and 1962) Master of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, and was Chairman of the Proof House Committee for 27 years from 1954. Having previously received an MBE for his war work, he was awarded an OBE in 1978.
