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LOT 1379
Cased Engraved Westley Richards Hand Detachable Droplock Double Rifle with
Ammunition - Serial no. 15971, 450/400 cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1897 and 1901. Blued steel chopper lump barrels with concave rib marked “WESTLEY RICHARDS 178 NEW BOND ST LONDON”, raised rear quarter rib with floral scroll engraving and three folding rear sights (200, 300, and adjustable 400-800 yards), and raised front sight rib with matching floral scroll engraving and flip-up night sight. The barrels are marked “WESTLEY RICHARDS HIGH VELOCITY” and “NITRO EXPRESS RIFLE 400 BORE” on the right and left respectively along
with standard Birmingham proofs. The casehardened Deeley and Taylor patent hand-detachable droplock action displays fines tight floral scroll engraving with Westley Richards banners on either side, a Bengal tiger on the blued floorplate, and an ibex on the trigger guard. The rifle features double triggers, locks numbered to the gun, tang mounted safety switch with additional bolted safety, and lightly sculpted fences. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered forend with horn tip inlay, engraved fittings, and Deeley latch release along with the pistol grip stock with checkered teardrop flats, right handed cheekpiece, inscription oval marked “DDH” in Gothic script, and orange rubber recoil pad. Included with the rifle is the original leather bound Westley Richards
takedown case, copy of the Westley Richards ledger, 1983 bill of sale, specifications of the rifle, and a cartridge box containing 31 boxes of Kynoch .450/400 3 inch ammunition for a total of 155 rounds. Length of pull is 14 1/8 inches. Weight is 9 lbs 11 oz. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 98% plus professionally reblacked finish, silvered patina on the action, some areas of light oxidation, and some minor pits under the finish on the barrels. The wood is also very fine, showing scattered scratches and crisp checkering. The case is fine with some storage/handling type wear, and the ammunition boxes are generally very fine with tearing in some . Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in circa
1899 per page 107 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers: Volume
One - London”. Blued steel barrels with blade front and three position
express rear sight on the matted solid rib, marked “WILLIAM EVANS
(FROM PURDEYS)” and “95. BUCKINGHAM PALACE ROAD. LONDON.”
on the left and right barrels respectively, and both barrels marked
“HENRY’S RIFLING” on the underside with period London black powder proofs and “39” bore marking. The blued
back action feature near full coverage classic English rose and scroll engraving, “WILLIAM EVANS/FROM PURDEYS”
marked on either lock, engraved hammers, double triggers, and a rotary underlever barrel release. Beautifully
figured, multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and a rotary latch release and pistol grip
stock with blued grip cap, cheekpiece, inscription oval marked “C.E.A.”, and blued steel buttplate. The chambering
is not marked; however, the chamber measurements point to the rifle being chambered in .500 Black Powder
Express. Includes a leather bound takedown case marked “500 WILLIAMS” on one end in white paint with “C.E.R.W.”
marked on the lid and Evan Williams trade label inside. Length of pull 14 9/16 inches. Weight 9 lbs 4 oz.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 75% reapplied blue finish, areas of thinning and brown patination, some spots of light pitting, and mild handling
evidence. There is a worn divot out of the left side of the forend, otherwise, the wood is fine with scattered dings and scratches and worn but well-defined checkering. The case is very good with mild storage wear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Buckstix Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1380
Cased Engraved William Evans Back Action Hammer Double Rifle - Serial no. 1276, 50 CF cal., 28 1/8
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