(M) WESTLEY RICHARDS SLE 12 GAUGE SIDE BY SIDE SHOTGUN WITH CASE, ENGRAVED BY KEITH THOMAS

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023

In the block for 1973-1982. Chopper lump barrels with a steel bead front sight on a solid, concave, game rib engraved "WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co. ENGLAND" towards breeches. Engraved with a light spring of florals at rear of ribs on a striated background, and bands of floral strapwork at breeches. Underside of barrels with matching serial number and modern British nitro proofs for a 2 - 3/4" chambered 12 gauge with a nominal .729 IBD in both barrels at 3 - 1/4" ton PSI. Splinter forearm with Anson plunger release, engraved in the same pattern as the rib sprig, nicely cut and evocative of Gough. Action flats with British nitro proofs. Engraved in more rolling florals en suite with forearm and barrels, with game scenes on left and right. Left side depicts a pair of hares, one inlaid in relief gold, right with a pheasant midflight. Bottom of action with "WESTLEY / RICHARDS / ENGRAVED" inlaid in gold, in an inset scroll. Both sides have "Westley Richards" in a playful ribbon towards rear of locks. Engraving signed "K. Thomas, Eng" at trigger guard for Keith Thomas. Automatic safety with "SAFE" inlaid in gold ahead of tab. Double triggers protected by a trigger guard with beaded edge on right side and long tang engraved with florals en suite and gold serial number. Nicely straight-grained walnut with heavy fiddling in the English straight grip form and checkered in 2 panels about the diamond-shaped wrist with mullered borders. Brass oval inset at toe line, vacant, and checkered butt. Housed in a leather-wrapped by Glaser, with Westley Richards trade label in lid, charge card, and housing accessories comprising a dust brush, pair snapcaps, and oil bottle. CONDITION: Barrels with virtually all of their bluing, with some very minor handling marks and superficial scratches. Stocks excellent with attractive form, aided by some newer varnish, and some minor marks from handling and the field; one very minor chip on rear of left forearm fang. Mechanically fine, bores are excellent, with evidence of chokes being opened up at muzzles, ejectors are strong and in time. Case is very good with some typical handling and use marks to exterior, Glaser trade label slightly torn at upper right.

Name

Value

Accessories

Case

Barrel Length

26"

Chamber

2 - 3/4"

Choke

(L) Modified (R) Cylinder

Drop at Comb

1 - 1/2"