Product Details
WESTLEY RICHARDS, BIRMINGHAM
AN EXTREMELY RARE .177 SPRING PISTON AIR-PISTOL, MODEL 'HIGHEST POSSIBLE CONCENTRIC', serial no. 1055,
circa 1925, with 7 1/4in. concealed brass smooth-bore barrel, the external sighted air-chamber (traces of original finish) stamped 'WESTLEY RICHARDS' "HIGHEST POSSIBLE" AIR PISTOL' together with 'PAT 178048-21' on the left hand side, blued open frame design with the cocking lever forming the trigger-guard, diminutive black hard rubber chequered grips, barrel assembly release catch and cocking assist lever mounted on the back-strap, patinated finish throughout with some mild pitting mainly to the trigger-guard
Provenance: Much speculation surrounds these very rare air-pistols. It is not known for certain whether they were produced alongside the regular 'Highest Possible' model or were simply the last models to be produced, however it is believed less than 30 examples exist in collections worldwide. Comparing this example with the one from our previous sale (Lot 3, sale A1058) subtle differences will be noted, especially in the mounting of the air-chamber. Serial number 1055 offered here is the highest number recorded for one of these pistols.
Estimate £1,200-1,500