Product Details
WESTLEY RICHARDS
A FINE .450 No.2 (3 1/2IN.) NITRO EXPRESS SINGLE-TRIGGER 1897 PATENT DETACHABLE-LOCK BOXLOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 16758,
24in. nitro reproved chopperlump barrels, re-chambered for .450 No.2 3 1/2in. Eley nitro express, with acanthus scroll engraved sight-rib, open sights with folding leaf sights for 150, 200 and 300 yards, block-mounted gold bead foresight with flip-up moonsight and scroll engraved fold-over protector, sunken rib engraved 'WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. ENGLAND.', treble-grip action incorporating J. Deeley and L.B. Taylor patent hand-detachable locks, patent no. 17731 of 28th July 1897, use number 1229, detachable floorplate, removable striker discs, bolted automatic safety with gold inlaid 'SAFE' and 'BOLTED' details, Westley Richards patent toplever, Westley Richards 'ONE TRIGGER' patent selective single trigger, triggerplate mounted with selector switch and gold-inlaid 'L' & 'R' details, fully engraved with best acanthus scrollwork surrounding relief-engraved vignettes of prowling lion and tiger, the floorplate with an Indian elephant, the triggerguard with a gaur, the triggerguard tang with a leopard, the toplever with a bear, the fences deeply carved in relief with orchid and acanthus foliage, brushed and blued finish overall, 14 3/4in. boldly-figured pistolgrip stock with chequered side-panels, acanthus scroll engraved strengthening teardrop plates, cheekpiece, sling swivels, fully scroll-engraved pistolgrip-cap (with trap), replacement escutcheon and including 7/8in. crocodile skin covered recoil pad, fore-end with Deeley & Edge patent release lever, the mounting plate and lever engraved with Blackbuck antelope, horn finial, weight 9lb. 11oz., in its very fine brass-cornered crocodile skin bound oak case, the interior lined in crocodile and velvet, with assorted ivory-handled tools and striker pot and fitted leather-bound velvet-lined case with the extra locks, each numbered '16758.2'
Provenance: The makers have kindly confirmed that this rifle was built as a 'Highest Quality' grade in .450 No.1 calibre and completed for Jeremiah Lyon & Co. in August 1906.
Estimate £24,000-28,000