Lot #2361
Lot #2363

Lot 2362: Westley Richards Mauser Bolt Action Express Rifle

Westley Richards Mauser Bolt Action Rifle in Desirable .318 Westley Richards Express with Case and Ammunition

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Lot 2362: Westley Richards Mauser Bolt Action Express Rifle

Westley Richards Mauser Bolt Action Rifle in Desirable .318 Westley Richards Express with Case and Ammunition

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Estimated Price: $4,750 - $6,000
Price Realized:

Westley Richards Mauser Bolt Action Rifle in Desirable .318 Westley Richards Express with Case and Ammunition

Manufacturer: Westley Richards
Model: Bolt Action
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 318 Express
Barrel: 21 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 3814
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 186
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

This fine express rifle is chambered for .318 Westley Richards Express also known as the .318 Accelerated Express and .318 Rimless Nitro Express. It was one of the preferred cartridges for African game in the early 20th century after release in 1908. Though not a dangerous game cartridge, it offered exceptional penetration and performed admirably on African elephants and received excellent reviews by renowned African hunters such as John "Pondoro" Taylor, W.D.M. "Karamojo" Bell, Major G.H. Anderson, and James H. Sutherland. Karen Blixen of "Out of Africa" fame used a similar Westley Richards rifle in .318. The cartridge can also be loaded appropriately for use on smaller game. The rifle has a Westley Richards patented hooded post front sight, two leaf express rear sight, tapped receiver for scope mounting, "LT 37964/WESTLEY RICHARDS/.318 ACCELERATED/EXPRESS" on the left side of the receiver ring, a "crown/BV" Birmingham nitro proof on the right, a folding peep sight on the upper tang, and a nearly full length checkered pistol grip stock with shadow line cheekpiece, blank initial oval, and checkered hard rubber buttplate. A hardcase with a Westley Richards & Co. label (dating to circa 1908-1910) and two Kynoch boxes with 14 .318 Rimless Nitro Express cartridges loaded with varying bullet designs.

Rating Definition:

Very fine overall as refinished with 98% plus of the blue finish remaining, minor oxidation/pitting at the muzzle, and some minor handling and storage marks. The refinished stock has crisp freshened checkering, glossy varnish, a seam 1 5/8 inches from the butt, and some slight handling and storage marks. It is mechanically excellent. The case is very good with moderate storage wear and an absent lid plaque.



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