This shotgun was manufactured in circa 1903 as the No. 2 gun of a pair and features the famous Deeley and Taylor patent hand-detachable locks (British Patent No. 17731 of July 28, 1897). With browned Damascus barrels each engraved with a band of scrollwork at the breech end, and concave rib with bead front sight, signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS. 178. NEW BOND ST. LONDON. GUN MAKERS BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII”, and numbered “2” in gold towards the rib extension. Casehardened treble grip scalloped action signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS” on each side within a ribbon, engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT ONE TRIGGER” ahead of the toplever, the toplever numbered “2” in gold, automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”, detachable floorplate, casehardened trigger plate with barrel selector switch with gold inlaid “L” and “R”, and blued trigger guard. The whole finely engraved with profuse classic English scrollwork, the trigger guard with a vignette of a pointer in a parkland setting on the bow. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with Birmingham nitro proof and reproof marks. Figured 14 3/4 inch walnut straight hand stock including 1 1/4 inch wood extension, with panels of multi-point checkering to the butt, grip and forearm, the latter with Deeley and Edge fastener numbered “2” in gold and dark horn tip. The underside of the butt with blank gold oval initial escutcheon. Barrel measurements (R/L) reproved at 12/12, measuring .734/.738, chokes .000/.023, 2 1/2 inch chambers, minimum wall thickness .025/.025. Weight 6 lbs. 9 oz. In maker’s brass cornered oak and leather case for a pair of guns. Lined in dark green baize, the lid with printed Westley Richards trade label. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

In very good condition. The barrels retain 80% of their rebrowned finish with some minor muzzle rub and occasional storage blemish, rib engraving slightly softened. The action retains traces of the original faded casehardened finish, engraving is clear throughout. Stock has been refinished with numerous age related storage and handling marks and blemishes, checkering worn to the grip, well-defined to the forearm. Wood extension old and quite well color and grain matched. Mechanically excellent. Case with external age staining and wear, lining in good condition.