Barrel length 63 cm (25"), stock length 35 cm (14"), overall length 114.5 cm (45"), weight 4.0 kg, year of manufacture 2000, British proof, condition 1-2.
Barrel marked "Westley Richards & Co England" and "regulated for 220 grn. bullet", express sight inscribed 100 (yds) with three additional hinged rear sights inscribed 200, 300 and 400, elaborately engraved front and rear sight saddle, hinged signal front sight and front sight tunnel, sling swivel with ring pulled over barrel, classic Mauser system with thumbhole and attached swivel mount bases, bolt finely circpolished by hand, safety on blued bolt shroud, hinged engraved pear-shaped bolt handle, engraved hinged magazine cover with pusher in trigger guard, filed single-stage trigger, pistol grip cap color case hardened with engraved hinged cover, engraved crossbolt, stock made of beautifully grained walnut, Monte-Carlo comb and cheek piece, pistol grip, fine checkering, horn finish, thick rubber butt plate, gold monogram plate engraved with initials. In a leather case with manufacturer's trade label incl. two-piece cleaning rod with horn handle, cleaning accessories, oil and wide linen rifle sling.
Founded in 1812 by William Westley Richards, the London-based company has been a symbol of design, innovation and beauty for over 200 years. The company, later continued by his son Westley Richards, is one of the most technically influential of its time. Among its milestones was the production of the boxlock shotguns patented by Anson & Deeley. Deeley himself also played a leading role in the company after Westley Richards retired. During the transition period from muzzle-loaders to breech-loaders, there were a number of design changes. The hammers of shotguns moved steadily inward and were now mounted on the inside of the lock plates. In contrast, the boxlock design was a completely new one. The complete mechanism could be installed directly in the system housing in a much smaller space. The production of these was much simpler, cheaper and faster without losing functionality. Although the Boxlock design is often found in the low price segment and mass production of the 20th century, the models of Westley Richards stand out due to a number of special features and their high quality. The manually removable locks and various designs of lock plates are among them. The selective trigger pull is just as important. A recognition feature of a special kind is the Westley Richards doll's head for locking, which is unlocked by the distinctive key. The form, functionality and above all the extremely high quality of materials and workmanship continue to inspire hunters and system collectors all over the world.
Category: Repeating Rifles