Manufactured in 1853, this Westley Richards shotgun features Damascus barrels, blue trigger guard and casehardened locks and hammers. The locks, trigger guard, hammers and upper tang are nicely engraved with floral scroll patterns. Each lock is marked WESTLEY RICHARDS". The front trigger guard finial is engraved pineapple pattern. The barrel is equipped with a single brass bead sight on the concave solid rib that is marked "WESTLEY RICHARDS 170, NEW BOND ST LONDON". The breech is engraved with the same pattern and has two small platinum wire inlays. Both barrels are marked with the matching serial number and two proof marks and it comes with the original ebony ram/cleaning rod with brass ends. The shotgun is mounted with a one piece checkered straight grip stock secured by a single wedge with an engraved forend insert, iron buttplate with 4 1/2" floral scroll engraved tang and silver initial oval. The top of the forearm at the breech has platinum overlays. The shotgun is complete with a Authentication Certificate from Westley Richards certifying that shotgun serial number 7968 is recorded in their records as a Westley Richards Double 14 ga. Shotgun sold from Bond Street, London and was completed in their factory in 1853. There is also a copy of the ledger sheet showing it was completed on January 15, 1853. Complete in an English Walnut case with brass corner protectors and green lining with a Westley Richards label on the inside of the lid and brass circle and ring on the outside of the lid. In the case is a brass powder flask, two unopened 100 count Ely percussion caps, a partial tin of caps, round bullet mold, a small canvas bag containing several round lead projectiles, a rosewood handled shot measurer, wads, wad cutter, barrel brush, swab and jag, and period double lead shot snake, leather flask.

Very good. The barrels have a smooth brownish gray patina with some of the Damascus pattern showing (more so on the rib) and some minor pitting on the underside near the breech end. The locks retain approximately 50% of the original vivid case colors. The hammers show strong traces of original case colors and the balance has faded to a smooth gray. The trigger guard retains most of the original bright blue finish with a gray patina and minor spotting on the lower tang. The stock is very good with almost all of the original varnish remaining with some minor crazing and a few scattered minor dings and dents, and crisp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. The mechanics are fine. The case is about good with two minor cracks in the lid and scattered scratches and dings. The lining shows some moderate wear and there are some stains. The inside compartment lid has been broken in half and glue repaired. All accessories are good.