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LOT 496
Factory Engraved Westley Richards 20 Gauge Self-
Opening Hand Detachable Sidelock Double Barrel
Shotgun Two Barrel Set with Case - Serial no. 19250, 20
gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Blued steel chopperlump barrels with a single brass bead sight 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 1965 dated Birmingham nitro proofs. The casehardened self-opening sideclipped hand detachable sidelock action displays outstanding, 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 straight grip stock with teardrop carved flats, blank inscription shield, and leather
covered recoil pad. Included is a second 28 inch 20 gauge barrel set with matching serial number as well as later serial number “19965”, 2001 dated Birmingham nitro proofs, matching engraving, and 2 3/4 inch chamber with automatic ejectors. Also included is a leather mutton leg case that holds the entire set. This gun was built to very similar specifications and is consecutively serial numbered with the previous two lots. Barrel measurements for the extra set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at 15.5mm (.610 inches) and measured .613/.612 inches; choke constriction .024/.016 inches; minimum wall thickness .034/.032 inches. Barrel and stock measurements for the original set (R/L): bore diameter nine inches from the breech both proved at .615 inches and measured .617/.617 inches; choke constriction .024/.025 inches; minimum wall thickness .032/.031 inches; 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/16 inch length of pull; cast-off; weight 6 lbs. 1 oz.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence to the metal. There is a tiny
hairline crack forming off the upper tang and the recoil pad is slightly oversized, otherwise the wood is very fine with a few minor marks
and sharp checkering. The extra barrel set is excellent with slight plum coloration. The case is very good. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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