Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

Ƒ Westley Richards: an early and rare 12 bore bar-in-wood double hammer gun, serial number 12058, slightly swamped barrels 30 in., top rib inscribed 'PATENT' and 'WESTLEY RICHARDS. 170. NEW BOND ST. LONDON', doll's head extension, scroll engraved fences, inclined strikers re-set by the extractors on closing, pivoting action lever inscribed 'WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT', scroll engraved sidelocks signed 'WESTLEY RICHARDS', dolphin-head hammers falling in a manner evocative of a pinfire gun, chequered stock of well figured walnut extending to cover the bar and meeting the key-fastened fore-end in a well-formed knuckle joint, steel butt plate; in a leather covered oak gun case, the beize lined fitted interior with trade label and maintenance instructions to the lid. Please note that this gun is not offered as serviceable and should not be fired. It is offered as a collector's gun only, accompanied by its proof exemption certificate. Section 2 - A Shotgun Certificate or RFD Authority is required to purchase this lot.

(117.3 cm OAL)

Please note that this rare and collectable gun, built in 1869, has been exempted from proof by the Birmingham Proof House on the grounds that it "is not intended to be fired, is unlikely to withstand the proof test and might be severely damaged if subjected to proof". The gun is not offered for sale as servicable, and should not be fired. A valid Shotgun Certificate or RFD status is nonetheless required for purchase. Offered with a copy of Westley Richards' order book confirming the date of manufacture, a covering letter from the maker dated 1983, and the Birmingham Proof House certificate dated 1991.