Founded in 1812, Westley Richards & Company is one of the most famous names in the British firearms trade, both making and retailing a number of prominent firearms to a variety of sportsmen, adventurers, military men and general citizens. They acted as one of the primary agents for Mauser firearms at the turn of the 20th century. This pistol was manufactured in 1897, and was for the time top of the line personal firepower, which could have ended up virtually anywhere in the British Empire or beyond in the hands of someone who felt the need for an advanced personal defense weapon. Blade front and 1000-meter tangent rear sights, with the top of the chamber marked "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N", the left side is marked with a "crown/crown/U" German test proof, and an Oberndorf antler proof on the right flat. Matching numbers are present on the frame, bolt, hammer, follower, floorplate, and the interior of the 23-groove grip panels. The left side of the frame is engraved "WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO" in the center milled panel. With a matching number shoulder stock, which bears traces of a paper label on the left side. Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection

Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, with mild spotting concentrated on the grip frame, some shallow pitting under the grips, bright edge wear and mild handling marks. 60% of the original niter blue finish is present on the small parts, bright on the remainder. Grips are very fine, with some light dings, and the stock is fine with mild dents and scuffs on the wood and spotting and a brown patina on the mounting hardware. Mechanically excellent.