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LOT 1414
Factory Engraved Westley Richards Hand Detachable Droplock Dangerous Game Double Rifle in
.470 Nitro Express with Case - Serial no. 17719, 470 Nitro Express cal., 24 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Completed circa 1920 according to page 128 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Westley Richards has long been
one of the best names in fine arms with a history stretching back over 200 years and creating some of the highest quality firearms on
the planet. This rifle was built with blued steel barrels featuring a removable beaded blade fore sight with flip-up moon sight and scroll
engraved hood, flourish of scroll engraving behind the fore sight, three-leaf (one standing, two folding) rear sight on the fully scroll
engraved raised rear quarter rib which is also marked with a gold inlaid “.470”, a single band of engraving at the breech, front sling swivel,
and chambers with automatic ejectors. The barrel flats bear 1996 dated Birmingham nitro proof marks replacing the originals as well as
an import mark. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened hand detachable
droplock action which displays near full coverage highly attractive scroll
engraving surrounding “WESTLEY RICHARDS” in banners on either side and
on the top ahead of the scroll engraved blued toplever and a rhino scene
engraved on the blued trigger guard before continuing onto both tangs.
The rifle features removable firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted
manual safety with secondary bolt safety, both with gold inlaid indicators. The
rifle is fitted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered beavertail
forend with engraved iron as well as a pistol grip stock with teardrop carved
flats, casehardened engraved trapdoor grip cap, blank gold inscription plate,
rear sling swivel, and a black rubber recoil pad. Includes a fine Huey oak and
leather flat case with canvas cover, maker’s label, and a set of snap caps.
Length of pull 14 5/16 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 11 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored by Westley Richards per the
consignor with 99% blue finish with a plum hue on the barrels, 25% muted
original case colors with the balance a fine silver patina, minor handling
evidence, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically
excellent. The case is excellent. A great opportunity to own a classic English
dangerous game double rifle!
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000
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