Product Details
WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO.
A RARE 20-BORE "THE FAUNETA" SHOT AND BALL RIFLED CHOKE BOXLOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, serial no. B1209,
28in. nitro reproved barrels with matt sight-rib, leaf sights for 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 yards and bead foresight, left barrels engraved 'THE FAUNETA', sunken matt rib engraved 'WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. LONDON.', 2 1/2in. chambers, rifled muzzles, treble-grip action with hinged floorplate, automatic safety with gold-inlaid 'SAFE' detail, toplever engraved with a six point star, fine engraving of stylised acanthus with the makers name in elaborate cartouches, retaining some original colour-hardening and finish, 14 1/2in. figured stock with sling swivels and buttplate, escutcheon inscribed 'M.N.S. 1927', fore-end with Deeley & Edge patent release catch and horn finial, weight 6lb. 11oz., in its relined brass-cornered oak and leather case
Provenance: We are kindly informed by the vendor that his research concluded the rifle was completed in 1927 for Harrison & Hussey. The records state it had 'two triggers, fixed locks, ejectors and a hinged cover plate'.
Other Notes: In its day, the Westley Richards 20-bore Fauneta was advertised as being the most effective gun of its type, in terms of both accuracy and ranging power. It propels a 435 grain bullet at a higher rate of velocity than either a .256 Mannlicher or a British .303 rifle and was capable of grouping ten shots (firing right and left barrels alternately) within 4in. at 100 yards. In an advertisement published in 1919 the following testimonial from the Private Secretary to The Maharaja of Dhar was used to promote its effectiveness in the field:
"It will interest you to know that her Royal Highness The Maharani Sahiba of Dhar has recently shot a Tiger measuring 10ft. 4ins. with your 20-bore 'Fauneta' Ball and Shot Gun, which H.H. has been using for some time. It stopped the animal with one shot."
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Estimate £5,000-7,000
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