Product Details
WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO.
AN IMPRESSIVE .577 H.V. NITRO EXPRESS BOXLOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. 09367,
26in. nitro barrels with raised matt sight rib, open sights and two folding leaf sights with silver-inlaid sighting lines and marked for 50, 100 and 200 yards, ramp-mounted bead fore-sight, sunken rib engraved 'WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. LONDON.', tubes engraved 'W.R. .577 H.V. CARTRIDGE. 100/750 GRS.', large treble-grip action with removable striker bars, Westley Richards patent toplever, standing breech engraved 'WESTLEY RICHARDS EJECTOR', automatic safety with blued and gilt 'SAFE' detail, border engraved action retaining much original colour-hardening and finish, 14 5/8in. figured pistolgrip stock with cheekpiece, horn pistolgrip-cap, sling eyes and including 1in. rubber recoil pad, fore-end with Deeley & Edge patent release catch and horn finial, weight 13lb. 15oz.
Provenance: This rifle is the property of Lord Balfour of Burleigh and is being sold in conjunction with a number of other Lots pertaining to his family. It is accompanied by a copy of his notes on the items consigned, which explains that it was acquired by his uncle, the Hon. Robert Bruce, while serving in India and Africa for use on elephant and other large beasts.
The Hon. Robert Bruce, Master of Burleigh, was born 25th September 1880. He made a number of shooting trips in India and, in disguise, in Tibet. As a Captain in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, he served with honours in the Boer War, in Egypy and the Sudan. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 26th August 1914, in the third week of the Great War.
Other Notes: The title, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, was created in 1607 in the Peerage of Scotland for Sir Michael Balfour whose family seat was Burleigh Castle.
Estimate £8,000-12,000
S1