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LOT 1451
Incredible Unique Finely Engraved Westley Richards Hammerless Small Bore Drilling with .22 Rimfire over .410 Bore Configuration - Serial no. 10885, 22 LR 410 cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. The makers have confirmed that this combination gun was completed in January 1933 for R.B. Richetson Esq. in .410 gauge and .22 extra long rimfire with fixed locks, double trigger ejector action, fine rose and scroll engraving, 26 inch barrels with 2
1⁄2 inch chambers and choked modified and full. Unlike more common drillings which have side by side shotgun barrels over a single rifle barrel, this drilling has a single rifle barrel (.22 Winchester LR) over side by side shotgun barrels (.410 bore). The matted solid rib has a beaded blade front sight, three leaf sight graduated from 50 to 150 yards and a single folding leaf sighted at 25 yards at the breech, which appears to be a later addition. The left rib is signed“WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co LONDON.”The serial number“10885”is marked on the water table and forearm, and matching numbers with a letter “T” prefix (“T10885”) are located on the lower tang and bottoms of both .410 barrels. The Birmingham nitro proofed barrels have ejectors and are each engraved with a band of foliage of the breech ends. The factory scroll engraved receiver is signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co.” on both sides and has a selector switch on the right side with a gold inlaid “.22” underneath, double triggers and automatic tang safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” marking. Mounted on nicely figured and checkered forearm and round knob pistol grip stock featuring a horn forend tip, tear drop flats, “RBR” inscribed initial shield on the comb and serrated horn buttplate. Weight 6 lbs. 12 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrels retain 80% plus original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. 80% of the original case colors remain on the receiver. The wood is also very fine with a small chip missing near the stock toe, some minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. This could be one of a few, or quite possibly, the only drilling in this configuration Westley Richards ever manufactured. A must have for the serious sporting arms collector. Provenance:
The Robert E. Petersen Collection; The Tom Selleck Collection. Estimate: 35,000 - 50,000
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