OE - GOOD - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; lightly scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

NPRF - NON-PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED/COLD BLUE, ETC.

WW - WOOD IS WORSE FOR THE PERCENT FINISH RATING GIVEN

Manufactured c. 1865 incorporating Westley Richards patent no. 2623 of October 22, 1864, and converted from pinfire during its early working life. With browned Damascus barrels with concave rib signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS. 170. NEW BOND ST. LONDON” and engraved “PATENT” towards the scroll engraved doll’s head extension. Single bite action with toplever engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT” and non-rebounding sidelocks each signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS”, the pinfire-style hammer striking the firing pin from the top of the fence and the firing pin striker itself being of pyramidal form as noted in other early centerfire shotguns. The conversion from pinfire was apparently achieved by adding a section to the front of the standing breech to incorporate the firing pins. The whole with light classic British border and scroll engraving. Figured 14" walnut straight hand stock with characteristic crab joint knuckle and panels of multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm, horn heel plate, and dark horn forearm tip. Birmingham black powder proof marks and black powder reproof marks. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection