Manufactured in circa 1898 as a best quality rifle, with tapering blued octagonal barrel with partially matted top flat, fitted with block mounted bead front sight and rear express sight of one standing and five folding leaves each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated from “100” to “500”, the standing 100 yard sight also engraved “105 – 500 GR.S”, signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. LONDON.” and engraved “LONG RANGE LARGE GAME RIFLE”, “FOR 3 IN. TAPER CASE .500 BORE” and “W.R. PATENT DETACHABLE BARREL. 230”, and with Westley Richards trademark triangle at the breech end. The forearm iron engraved “PATENT NO. 9711” referring to Leslie Taylor’s (manager of WR at the time) British patent number 9711 of May 18, 1894 for a detachable barrel. Casehardened action signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. / LONDON” within a ribbon on the left side, with upper tang mounted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” and engraved “PATENT 185”, the whole finely engraved with tight scrollwork. Engraved blued butt plate with hinged trap cover. Barrel and action struck with Birmingham black powder proof marks. Well figured semi-pistol grip stock with checkered grip and forearm, the latter with large dark horn cap and Deeley & Edge fastener. The underside of the butt with blank silver initial escutcheon and sling eye, the corresponding sling eye fitted to the underside of the barrel. Weight 8 lbs. With full length brass cornered leather case, the lid with gilt lettered leather Westley Richards trade label, the exterior of the lid initialed “C.S.M.”.

Barrel retaining 98% older reblued finish, engraved signatures clear, slight muzzle rub. 600 yards leaf sight missing. Action retaining nearly 100% of its original casehardened finish, crisp engraving. Stock expertly reoiled, crisp checkering, minor scratches to right side of stock behind action. Case in very good condition with age related discoloration to the exterior and minor rubbing to the lining. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.