Page 232 - 83-BOOK3

Finely Engraved Westley Richards Droplock Double Rifle Chambered for the Classic African Big Game Cartridge .425 Magnum Express
230
LOT 3417
Fine & Rare Engraved Westley Richards .425 (WR Magnum Express) Double Barrel Droplock Ejector Big Game Rifle with Case - Serial no. 18179, 425 Express cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle was manufactured in circa 1927 featuring the famous Deeley and Taylor patent hand-detachable locks (British Patent No. 17731 of July 28, 1897). The .425 Magnum Express cartridge is regarded as one of the classic African big game cartridges.
It was created by Leslie Taylor of Westley Richards in 1909 and was extensively used
in their Mauser 98 actioned bolt rifles as well as some double rifles. The blued barrels are respectively engraved “W.R. .425 MAGNUM EXPRESS” and “65/410 GRS,” and each barrel
is engraved with a band of stylized foliage
at the breech end. The sunken concave rib is signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS. 23 CONDUIT ST. LONDON. GUN MAKERS BY APPOINTMENT
TO H.M. THE KING” and partially engraved with fine classic English scrollwork. Sighting comprises a block mounted bead front sight with flip-up moon-sight and patent flip-over tunnel cover and a rear sight formed of one standing notch sight and four folding leaf notch sights with platinum inlaid center
lines and graduated to 500 yards. The
bottom of the rib is import marked under
the forearm. The treble grip action is signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS” within a ribbon on each side, engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS/ EJECTOR” ahead of the blued toplever, and has removable firing pin bushings, a bolted automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” and “BOLTED”, a blued hinged floorplate, and a blued trigger guard. The whole is engraved with classic English scrollwork. The floor
plate and trigger guard respectively include vignettes of a rhinoceros and a male lion. The underside of the barrels and water table are struck with Birmingham nitro proof marks. The well-figured walnut pistol grip stock
has a raised cheekpiece, panels of multipoint checkering to the grip and forearm, a scroll engraved cap with hinged trap cover, a scroll engraved Deeley and Edge fastener and dark horn tip on the forearm, and rubber recoil pad. The underside of the butt has a blank gold shield shaped initial escutcheon and blued sling mount.
The corresponding sling mount is
fitted beneath the barrel. The brass cornered, leather bound case has a black leather Westley Richards label with gild lettering, bright green bazie lining, and nickeled oiler. 14 inch length of pull. Weight 11 lbs. 3 oz.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrels retain nearly all of their renewed blued finish, clear engraved details and signature. The action
is cleaned bright and has clear engraving throughout. The floorplate and trigger
guard retain nearly all of their reblued finish and have some softening of the engraved panel scenes. The stock has been refinished and retains well-defined checkering with occasional scattered minor age related storage and handling blemishes to the forearm. Mechanically very good with the barrels sitting slightly off the face. The case is very good and has mild exterior wear and minimal wear on the relined interior.
Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.
Estimate: 15,000 - 20,000