This exceptional cased Westley Richards side by side shotgun was manufactured circa 1880 per the data provided on page 127 of Nigel Brown's "British Gunmakers Volume One: London." The browned Damascus barrels have a bead front sight and "WESTLEY RICHARDS 170 NEW BOND ST LONDON." on the concave rib. The locks are also signed "WESTLEY RICHARDS." The breech plugs have large, vented nipples and slotted platinum plugs. The locks and furniture have scroll and floral engraving. The wedge and initial escutcheons are plain nickel-silver. The stock has a checkered wrist, and a 14 1/4 inch length of pull. The fitted brass cornered mahogany case is lined in green baize and has a Westley Richards label inside the lid and a variety of loading and maintenance accessories. A July 5, 1966, invoice from Westley Richards & Co. Ltd. to Norman Blank for the shotgun is included. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine overall and in near "as new" original condition with mostly only light handling and storage type marks. The only notable wear is a patch of fresh scratches on the right barrel and slight fading at the heel and toe. The engraving, markings, and stock checkering are crisp. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine with mild age and storage related wear. Overall a stunning 150 year old time capsule.