Lot #3294
Lot #3296

Lot 3295: Pair of Westley Richards Manstopper Percussion Belt Pistols

Exceptional Pair of Engraved Westley Richards "Manstopper" Percussion Belt Pistols

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 21, 2023

Lot 3295: Pair of Westley Richards Manstopper Percussion Belt Pistols

Exceptional Pair of Engraved Westley Richards "Manstopper" Percussion Belt Pistols

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 21, 2023

Estimated Price: $7,500 - $9,500

A) Westley Richards Belt Pistol

Manufacturer: Westley Richards
Model: Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 15 Bore
Barrel: 6 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: brown/casehardened/blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 351
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 190
Class: Antique
Description:

According to Westley Richards published serial number ranges for pistols, these pistols were the last pair in 1853. They are .68 caliber/15 bore and thus real manstoppers firing over 400 grain round balls. The smoothbore, Damascus barrels have nicely crowned muzzles, fixed bead front sights, "WESTLEY RICHARDS, 170, NEW BOND ST. LONDON" signed on top, swivel mounted ramrods beneath, and casehardened breeches with pierced platinum liners and platinum bands. The flat, casehardened locks have scroll engraving, "WESTLEY RICHARDS" signed below the bolster, and sliding half-cock safety latches. The wrist and wedge escutcheons are silver. The trigger plates are casehardened and feature pineapple finials. The blued trigger guards have scroll engraving and the serial numbers. The casehardened pommel caps have floral designs on the trapdoors. Blued belt hooks are fitted to the left stock flats, and the nearly full-length stocks have checkered wrists.

Rating Definition:

Exceptionally fine with 85% plus original brown and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, crisp engraving and markings, 70% original case colors, crisp engraving, 90% original blue, and generally only minor overall wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering, smooth finish, and light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.



B) Westley Richards Belt Pistol

Manufacturer: Westley Richards
Model: Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 15 Bore
Barrel: 6 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: brown/casehardened/blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 351
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 190
Class: Antique
Description:

See "A."

Rating Definition:

Exceptionally fine with 85% plus original brown and distinct Damascus patterns on the barrel, crisp engraving and markings, 80% original case colors, crisp markings and engraving, 90% original blue, and generally only minor overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, smooth finish, and some minor scrapes and dings. Mechanically excellent.



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