Westley Richards are among the best of the best when it comes to the fine gunmakers of England, with a history stretching back over 200 years. This outstanding rifle was built to commemorate the momentous occasion of the company's bicentennial which took place in 2012. This piece was completed with the highest level of care and from muzzle to butt and is the true embodiment of the craftsmanship seen on guns and rifles made by Westley Richards. The rifle is constructed with blued steel chopperlump barrels which feature an island front bead bladed sight with a flip-up hood and rear quarter rib with beautifully executed scroll engraving surrounding a two leaf rear sight (one folding, one standing) which displays gold center lines and 50 and 100 yard markings. The sunken portion of the rib between the sights is marked "THE WESTLEY RICHARDS BICENTENARY RIFLE SERIES 1812 TO 2012" in fine gold inlay and "CAL. -470 NITRO EXPRESS." and "REG. FOR FED. TSX. 500 GRN. BULLET." engraved on the right and left barrels respectively near the breech along with wedges of tight scroll flanked by deeply cut leaves. The barrels mount to a beautifully casehardened famous Westley Richards droplock action with blued floorplate and scalloped rear. The action has been extensively engraved by the hand of world renowned Master Engraver Peter Spode who has signed and dated his work on the triggerplate to the right of the triggers. The masterfully executed engraving consists of near full coverage floral scrollwork with "WESTLEY RICHARDS" in banners on either side, "BICENTENARY/2012" in gold on the toplever, and "WESTLEY RICHARDS/1812-2012" surrounding a magnificent cape buffalo scene on the floorplate of the action. The rifle features bushed firing pins, chambers with automatic ejectors, double triggers, right hand rolled triggerguard, and a manual tang safety with gold inlaid "SAFE" marking. Exceptionally well-figured forend with a horn tip and engraved fittings including the Deeley latch release and pistol grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, casehardened and engraved trapdoor grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, rear sling stud, gold inscription oval with the initials "S.R.M." with blue fill, and a leather wrapped recoil pad. Included with this fine double rifle is a wood and brown leather takedown case with factory label, a spare set of beautifully jewelled locks, spare small parts, nickel snap caps, nickel oiler, and a full compliment of cleaning tools. The length of pull is 15 9/16 inches and the rifle weighs 10 lbs. 11 oz.