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STUNNING! Westley Richards Best Quality 12g. Droplock 2bbl set
Guns International #: 102511855 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Westley Richards Shotguns - Shotguns - English Double
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Doubles and Dogs
Company: Doubles and Dogs
Member Since: 6/8/11
State: Indiana
Country: United States
Phone: (812) 390-2613
Total Number of Listings: 71
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: cashiers check/personal check/money order/Venmo/Zelle/CC
Description:
** 11/24/23 SOLD **
This is a truly exceptional and rare find - a beautiful Westley Richards 12g Best Quality Drop Lock, two barrel set, cased with makers label.
According to Westley Richards, UK, the gun was completed in September 1912 for M.Pors Esquire. The ledger reads: "Double 12g Hand Detachable Lock Ejector, Double Trigger - Steel Barrels"
It features the most desirable options only found on Best Quality guns from WR including full coverage house engraving pattern, snap lever, doll's head rib extension, and the hand detachable locks. Additionally, the 1912 year of manufacture includes the hinged floor plate still found on modern Westley Richards droplocks. This gun originally shipped with the 30" barrel set which has British proofs on the bottoms of the barrels and the flats, the bottoms of the barrels have the same Special Steel markings. The second set of barrels measure 28" and were fitted at a later date (likely before 1920) and is marked with a series of British proof marks, "WESTLEY RICHARDS / SPECIAL STEEL" around a triangle. Each barrel rib is marked "WESTLEY RICHARDS 178 NEW BOND ST. LONDON GUN MAKERS BY APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY GEORGE V REX ET IMP." Each barrel set has engraving motif at the breech-end, across the seam between the rib and its extension, and at the end of the extension. The exposed portions of the forend iron and latch have scroll engraving. The water table has Westley Richards patent markings and British proofs. The guard is marked with the serial number, found again on the floorplate and each lock. The lock assemblies also have Westley Richards patent markings. Each side of the receiver has "WESTLEY RICHARDS" engraved on a banner and the receiver has extensive/full coverage house pattern scroll engraving. The engraving continues onto the floorplate, guard, and snap lever. There is a hunting dog scene engraved on the trigger guard.
Barrels: One 28" and one 30" barrel sets are included.
Choke: 28": The left bore has a constriction of approximately 0.020" corresponding to Modified, the right approximately 0.006 corresponding to Skeet. 30": The left barrel has a constriction of approximately 0.026" corresponding to Improved Modified, the right approximately 0.001 corresponding to Cylinder
Sights / Optics: Each barrel set has a silver-colored bead mounted to the front of its rib.
Weight: 28": 6 lb., 12.7 oz. 30": 6 lb., 14.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is checkered deluxe walnut with ebony-tipped splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb, and black London pig skin-covered pad. The buttstock has a few minor marks - unnoticeable. The forend has only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 15 1/4" and 14 1/4" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, 14 1/4" and 13 1/4" to the back of the wood. The pad shows little in the way of wear. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/4", drop at heel 2 1/8", consistent with both barrel sets. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun. This gun was expertly restocked with exhibition-grade walnut. It is likely that the case color hardening was also professionally restored when restocked.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10. Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few tiny marks through the finish. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish, most notable on the trigger guard. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear, some of the inspection/proof marks are worn and the dog scene on the trigger guard shows slight wear. Overall, this gun rates in Fine-plus condition as restored.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors with both barrel sets. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. Non-automatic safety functions properly when engaged manually.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a custom Best Quality English-fit wood case with brass corner bolsters, a brass locking latch (no key included) and the interior has red fabric lining in various compartments for the barrels, stocked receiver, and accessories.
This is an exceptional 1912 Westley Richards shotgun with the most desirable features. If in original condition, this would be a $30,000-$40,000 set. Few makers are ever compared to Westley Richards. The Droplock represents the pinnacle of the evolution of the Anson & Deeley boxlock design, allowing the removal of the locks by hand, with no tools by simply opening up the lock plate and pulling the locks out. This gave it even greater ease of maintenance and cleaning than traditional sidelock guns. Introduced in 1897, the Droplock is still made today!
Whether intended to be a star addition to your collection or a vintage best shotgun restored and ready to shoot regularly - don't miss this one! Every attempt has been made to describe this wonderful shotgun in granular detail. Additional 100+ high-definition photos of every centimeter of the gun, barrels, markings, case, etc are available upon request.
Serious offers considered.
Shipping is a flat $50 - insurance is the option of the buyer.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Shotgun Gauge: 12 Gauge
Manufacturer: Westley Richards
Model: Best Quality Droplock
Barrel Length: 30" & 28
Ejectors: yes
Condition: Excellent as professionally restored
Metal Condition: excellent
Wood Condition: excellent
Bore Condition: excellent
Barrel Type: side by side
Action: droplock
Triggers: double
Stock: English, straight
LOP: 15.25
Manufacture Date: 1912