December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1304:
(A) WILLIAMSON MONKEY TAIL BREECH LOADING PERCUSSION EXPRESS RIFLE.
Circa 1870. Blued barrel with a large sighting rib, the front 2/3rds matted. The flat rear section of the rib has engraved "WHITWORTH RIFLING" designation. Dovetailed front sight with ivory inlay. There is a standing leaf rear sight and 6 folding leaves graduated at "100", "200", "300", "400", "500", and "600". "P2490" is stamped on the right side. Westley Richards patent monkey tail breech loading action marked on the left with Birmingham proofs. The "monkey tail" lever section is signed "THE / WILLIAMSON / LONDON". The lock has engraved line bordered and is also signed "WILLIAMSON". Nearly full length walnut stock with military front sling band, iron trigger guard, checkered pistol grip terminating in a carved lion head, rear sling eye, and trap butt plate. Such commercial monkey tails were popular in South Africa with the Boers. CONDITION: Very Good. Significant potions of trade blue are retained on the barrel, fading somewhat. Lock has a patterned gray patina. Stocks appear to have been lightly refreshed in the period of use with dings, nicks, scratches, and abrasions throughout. There is also a split on the left flat running from the rear lock bolt. Rifling is rather worn but is visible throughout. Fine mechanics.