Lot 313: Inscribed Westley Richards Boxlock Ejector Double Rifle

Blued steel chopper lump barrels with floral scroll engraving on the concave solid rib which is marked "WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co. ENGLAND." and matching engraved, raised rear quarter rib with engraved scope mounting blocks, two leaf folding express sight marked for 100 and 200 yards, and raised, hooded beaded blade front sight. The barrels are equipped with ejectors, display fine wedges of oak leaf engraving at either breech, have standard Birmingham proofs on the flats, and are marked with a gold inlaid "458" at the rear of the rib. Casehardened boxlock action features near full coverage floral scroll engraving surrounding "WESTLEY RICHARDS" on either side, beautiful lightly carved and oak leaf engraved fences, and hand detachable action plate and removable gold washed locks. The triggerguard also has floral scroll engraving and is gold inlaid with the initials "R.T.H." Gold plated double triggers and tang mounted safety with secondary safety latch. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forend with Deeley latch release, engraved fittings, and ebony wood tip insert along with the pistol grip stock with casehardened and engraved trapdoor grip cap, left handed cheek piece, and leather wrapped recoil pad. This rifle is consecutively serial numbered with the two previous lots and is part of a trio ordered together. Included are copies of multiple period articles explaining the hassle in obtaining this, and the other two rifles, and the original importation form. The original buyer, Robert T. Hayley ordered the rifles in 1973 with an initial agreement of 3,000 pounds a piece to be completed in two years. After 10 years, and more than triple the quoted cost, Hayley flew to England to sue for his guns and the issue was settled out of court. Included along with the documentation is a leather bound takedown case marked "ROBERT T. HAYLEY" on the lid with canvas cover marked "R.T.H./458" containing an extra set of gold washed locks, nickel oiler and snap caps, and B. Nickel 1-4x E/S scope. 14 1/8 inch length of pull. Weight 10 lbs 13 oz. Provenance: Firearms for Freedom Collection

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes, minor handling evidence, and crisp checkering on the wood. The case is excellent and the cover is very good with one side of the zipper torn. The accessories are excellent and the scope optics are sharp. Mechanically excellent.