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LOT 495
Factory Engraved Westley Richards
Self-Opening Hand Detachable Sidelock Double
Barrel Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial
no. 19249, 12 gauge, 27 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued steel
chopperlump barrels with dual brass bead sights on the
matted solid rib, “WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO.” and “BIRMINGHAM. ENGLAND.” marked on the right and left
respectively, four wedges (two on each barrel) of attractive floral scroll engraving at the breech, 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic
ejectors, and 1966 dated Birmingham nitro proofs. The casehardened self-opening sideclipped hand detachable sidelock action
displays fantastic, highly intricate floral scroll engraving only seen on guns of highest quality such as this one. The scrollwork sits
over a nicely matted background and surrounds “WESTLEY RICHARDS.” banners on either lockplate and “SELECTIVE/SINGLE/TRIGGER”
on the underside. The engraving extends to the toplever, both tangs, triggerguard, and the lock bolt handle. The gun features the
aforementioned single trigger, gold inlaid cocking indicators, selector switch on the right lockplate with gold inlaid letters, and a tang
mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Beautiful, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings, including
the Anson button release, and fiddleback figured straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats, inscription shield, and leather covered recoil pad.
Included is a second 27 3/4 inch 12 gauge barrel set with matching serial number as well as later serial number “19904”, 1999 dated Birmingham nitro proofs, matching engraving, and 2 3/4 inch chambers with automatic ejectors. Also included is a leather mutton leg case that holds the entire set as well as trigger selector parts and a set of double triggers with matching triggerguard and triggerplate. This gun was built to very similar specifications and is consecutively serial numbered with the previous and following lot. Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 18.5mm (.728 inches) and measured .729/.729 inches; choke constriction .008/.011 inches; minimum wall thickness .027/.028 inches. Barrel and stock measurements for the original set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .729 inches and measured .732/.735 inches; choke constriction .020/.032 inches; minimum wall thickness .025/.029 inches; 1 3/8 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 9 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish, 85% original case colors with the balance an attractive silver, light rubbing at the left breech, and overall minor handling evidence. There is a tiny hairline crack off the back of both lockplates and upper tang, otherwise the wood is very fine with a few light dings and scratches, some wear to the recoil pad, and crisp checkering. The extra barrel is excellent. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.
376 Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500