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LOT 3451
Attractive Factory
Engraved Early Westley
Richards Anson & Deeley
Boxlock Number 51
Double Rifle with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 12976,
450 Black Powder Express
cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl.,
brown/casehardened/gold finish,
walnut stock. This rifle was completed,
according to the included copy of the factory letter,
on April 23, 1877, for the Marquis of Exeter (William Alleyne
Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Exeter), at a cost of 65 pounds
sterling, and a 270 grain bullet over 120 grains of black
powder. This rifle was built on Anson & Deeley’s patent boxlock action and is
possibly the first double rifle ever built on this legendary action according to included correspondence, along with the
date of manufacture and the patent use number “51”, making this a standout example and pivotal piece of firearms history. Built with browned Damascus
steel barrels featuring a blade fore sight, a two-leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight regulated at 100 and 200 yards, and a sighting flat near the
breech which is marked “EXPRESS/FOR TAPER CASE”. The sunken area of the rib ahead of the rear sight is inlaid “Westley Richards 170 New Bond Street
London.” in fine gold and the doll’s head extension shows floral scroll engraving. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened Anson & Deeley boxlock
action with patent use number “51” on the watertable. The action displays sculpted fences, a groove on either side, Westley Richards patent toplever,
extensive tight scroll engraving surrounding “WESTLEY RICHARDS” signature banners on either side, and a red stag engraved on the trigger guard. The
rifle features bushed firing pins, dual gold triggers, and a manual tang safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The rifle is fitted with a handsome well-
figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved iron, Deeley type latch, and a horn tip inlay. The pistol grip stock features a casehardened and
engraved grip cap, raised cheekpiece, rear sling eye, blank gold inscription oval, and a lightly engraved blued steel buttplate. Also included is a copy of
“Westley Richards: In Pursuit of the Best Gun 1812-2012” by Jeremy Musson. Length of pull 14 11/16 inches. Weight 8lbs. 8 oz.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% original brown finish with strong Damascus patterns, strong traces of the original case colors, nearly all of the gold inlay, mild
handling evidence, a few dings and scratches on the refurbished stock, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend.
Provenance: William Alleyne Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Exeter; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500