GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
UNUSUAL PAIR OF WESTLEY RICHARDS MODEL 1897 (NEW UNDERLEVER) SINGLE SHOT DROPPING BLOCK RIFLES IN .458 WINCHESTER MAGNUM, WITH CASE. WESTLEY. RICHARDS 1897 sgl shot RIFLES 35682/35683 458 MODERN; ESA (ca 1900) Cal. .458 Win Mag. This fine matched pair are gold inlaid "1" and "2" on 25-1/2" lightweight sporter bbls. Bbls are fitted with one standing, two folding leaf express rear sights in sleeved-on island blocks, and soldered-on front blocks with ivory beads under slip-on hoods. Tops of bbls are engraved "Westley Richards & Co, London" and with caliber (".458" is in gold). Rear portions are stamped with Birmingham nitro proofs. Highly regarded case hardened 1897 dropping block actions feature cranked levers and sliding safety bolts in trigger guard housings. Actions are engraved with about 50% coverage well done triangles of large shaded scroll surrounding "Westley Richards" on each side. Well matched lightly streaked and well figured European (?) walnut capped pistol grip stocks measure 14-1/2" over Silver type pads. Stocks feature point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grips, long chinstrap transitions to butts, large right hand shadow line cheekpieces, and sling eyes matching those on bbls on toe lines. Matching full rounded forends are screwed to the bbls. Drops at heel: approx 2-15/16", drops at comb: approx 1-15/16". Neutral casts. Weights: 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 8 lbs 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/2". High quality custom double gun full length greenish canvas case with brass corners and trim is lined in royal blue cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Westley Richards label in lid. Case contains horn handled steel cleaning rod with brush and jag, horn handled turnscrew, square oil bottle, leather cartridge pouch, and two keys. CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new, since factory rebuild in 1973, with only a few light handling and operation marks on wood and metal. Bores are excellent. Actions are smooth. Case is excellent with some spots on top. Interior is excellent. John Kirton estimates that fewer than 1000 1897 rifles were produced, whereas Wal Winfer in BRITISH SINGLE SHOT RIFLES VOL 4 estimates that between 600 - 700 total of both 1881 and 1897 actions were produced. The very handy sliding side safety actions, such as this pair, are the hardest to find. 51695-3 MGM141 (10,000-12,500)