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LOT 3452
Factory Engraved Westley Richards Best Quality
Martini Single Shot Rifle in .577/500 Black Powder
Express with Case - Serial no. 210, 577-500 cal., 28 inch
solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Built with a blued steel
barrel featuring a beaded blade fore sight and dovetailed notch rear sight on the partially matted
flat solid rib which is marked “HENRYS PATENT RIFLING” as well as “EXPRESS/FOR No. 2 CASE”, under rib with
dual ramrod ferrules (one of which hosts the front sling eye, and period Birmingham black powder proof marks. The
barrel is fitted to the blued Martini type action which displays extensive near full coverage best quality floral scroll engraving
surrounding “WESTLEY RICHARDS/PATENT EXPRESS RIFLE/170 NEW BOND St. LONDON” engraved on the left side. The rifle
features a short throw lever and a patent safety on the right side of the action. The rifle is fitted with a nicely figured and multi-
point checkered forend with horn tip and wedge fastener as well as a straight hand stock with rear sling eye, blank inscription oval, and a Silver’s
type rubber recoil pad. Includes a full length leather case containing a bullet mold and some loading tools.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% bright original blue finish on the receiver, engraving faint on the sides of the refinished trigger guard, a patch
of loss on the left side of the period refinished barrel ahead of the forend, some light pitting mainly on the under rib, some insect damage on the
forend cap, a small safety drag line, and a few patches of minor spotting. The slightly shortened wood is also very fine with some dings and scratches, a
replaced recoil pad, and overall sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is good with moderate wear and a missing strap.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3453
Engraved John Dickson & Son
Alexander Henry Patent Best
Quality Single Shot Falling Block
Sporting Rifle in .500 Black
Powder Express with Case - Serial
no. 3178, 500 Black Powder Express cal., 29
1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured c. 1873, per the nearby serial number
shipment date listed on page 81 of “British Gunmakers, Volume Two” by Nigel Brown. John Dickson & Son is
listed as active under this name between c. 1849-1929 at 63 Princes St in Edinburgh, London, per page 207
of the aforementioned book. This attractive John Dickson & Son rifle utilizes a commercial Alexander Henry
patent action with a left side mounted lock, chambered for the 3 inch .500 Black Powder Express cartridge,
allowing plenty of stopping power for big game. “JOHN DICKSON & SON, 63 PRINCES St EDINBURGH” maker
address marked on top of the barrel, with “JOHN DICKSON/& SON” on the lockplate. The upper left rear of the barrel is marked with London proofs and “39” bore marking (.500 caliber). Attractive very fine English scroll engraved
designs on the receiver, rear sight, forearm hardware, hammer, upper tang, under lever, trigger guard and lower tang, and grip cap. Beaded blade front sight, with one fixed and two folding leaf notch rear sights. The matching serial
number “3178” is marked on the bottom of the barrel and lower tang. Blue finished barrel with casehardened frame and components. Mounted with a multi-point checkered nicely figured walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with
iron grip cap, checkered iron buttplate with compartment, and silver initial oval. Length of pull is 14 1/4 inches, and the weight is 7 pounds. Comes with an original canvas and leather trimmed hardcase with “S. WATNEY” embossed
on the outside of the lid and a John Dickson & Son label affixed to the inside of the lid, with red lined fitted interior. Inside the case is an included leather sling, a C & J.W. Hawksley nickel oiler, a cleaning rod, screwdriver, firing pin
nipple wrench, two empty 3 inch .500 cartridge cases, loading tools, two .500 cartridge gauges, one detached leather case strap (separated), and one detached leather case handle.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 99% professionally refurbished blue finish on the barrel, with traces of original case colors in a few protected areas and silvery gray/brown patina on the remainder of the casehardened surfaces, and
absolutely sharp engraving. Wood is also very fine as professionally restored, with a few minor handling marks, and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good, with some age related wear.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500