Developed in the late 1950s, the 460 Weatherby Magnum was a successor case to the 416 Rigby and 378 Weatherby Magnum, designed to comply with hunting laws restricting sub-40 caliber cartridges from being used on dangerous game. In the process, Weatherby made a cartridge that displaced the 600 Nitro Express as the hardest hitting round on the African Continent; though some hunters have found success hand-loading the cartridge to lower velocities for tigers or North American game, the factory specification cartridge is literally overkill against anything other than the most resilient and dangerous game Africa has to offer. Capable of fatally wounding an African elephant at ranges well beyond the traditional engagement distances. Manufactured around 1973-1982, this Westley Richards is a top-notch British 'elephant rifle', impressive in mass, fit and decoration. An engraved two-leaf express sight is installed on the quarter rib, with a fixed 100 yard leaf and folding 200 yard leaf, with the rib textured back to the engraved dolls-head with a gold inlaid "3" (repeated on the barrel and forearm latches) and the area forward of the sight engraved in heart-shaped scrolls, with "Westley Richards & Co England" in the lower portion of the rib, and more engraving near the front sight, which is fitted with a fixed polished bead, a flip-up white bead, and a hinged engraved sun shield/sight protector, giving the shooter a variety of options in response to lighting conditions and other environmental factors. The right chamber is marked "460 WEATHERBY MAGNUM" and the left chamber "REGULATED FOR 500 GRN BULLET", with light border engraving at the breech and the water table marked for 500 grain bullets, 120 grains of nitrocellulose, and bearing Birmingham proofs. The receiver is finished in a rich casehardening with vibrant colors and decorated with over 90% coverage scroll engraving, with "WESTLEY RICHARDS &CO." engraved on each side, "SAFE" in gold, floral engraved screws and jeweled drop lock internal components. The stock is constructed from extra fancy walnut, with diamond-bordered checkering on the forearm and wrist, casehardened and engraved forearm latch hardware and pistol grip cap (with trap), extended tang reaching clear back over the comb, a raised right handed shadow line cheekpiece, Jaeger-brand sling swivels, unmarked golf inscription oval and a thick, leather covered recoil pad. Included with the rifle is a leather covered, blue felt lined, Westley Richards tagged transport case, which holds the rifle and the following included accessories: a cased pair of pre-fitted spare drop locks numbered to match the rifle, a pair of nickel finished snap caps, two nickel finished oil/parts containers, two spare firing pins, three front sight blades (one bright bead, two gold washed beads, all with white flip-up dots), three horn-handled screwdrivers, a takedown cleaning rod with wooden handle, and a brown leather sling. Dimensions: length of pull - 15 3/4 inches, drop at comb - 1 1/8 inches, drop at heel - 2 1/8 inches, cast - off 3/4 inch, toe - out 3/4 inch.

Very fine, with 95% plus original blue finish, showing a gray patina rear of the front sight base (exposed metal where sight is attached), some turning marks on the screw heads, and a rich deep blue color overall. The barrel latch shows a fine plum color, and the frame and stock hardware retain 95% plus casehardened finish, with bright colors throughout and fine detail in the engraving. The refinished stock is very good, with a few short hairline cracks visible around the upper tang, crisp checkering and attractive grain. The oversize recoil pad is showing slight wear and crazing. The case is very fine, showing mild wear appropriate to age and careful use. Mechanically excellent.