April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Original case with original trade label ink inscription "May 1820". These superb pistols have 8-1/2" heavy octagonal barrels with full Westley Richards signature "120 NEW BOND ST LONDON". It is unusual that when examining the bore, the breech is cupped. Finely engraved case hardened breeches with silver band. Signed bolted front action locks with push-on safeties. Breeches with fences and platinum blow-out plugs. Hammers finely engraved with minute punch borders. Hammer spurs finely checkered. Nozzle of hammer formed as dolphins with scales. Finely engraved trigger guards. Stirrup rammers. Finely figured walnut fullstocks with flatted checkering. Serial number 155 on tail of blued trigger guard of Gun (A). Pistols are 15" overall. CONDITION: Both pistols are in superb, mostly likely pristine condition throughout. Barrels retain nearly all of their original striped brown. Breeches retain much of their original color case hardening. Locks retain much original color case hardening. Trigger guards retain strong cases of original bright peacock blue, particularly strong inside bow. Figured walnut forestocks retain much of their original varnish with only minor marks. Both pistols in substantially the same condition, although Gun (B) retains far more bright blue on trigger guard. Case itself rates excellent with split ring in lid and original green baise lining with original Westley Richards trade label. Bores are as new and pistols are likely unfired. These Westerly Richards officers pistols are much larger than usually encountered and in far better condition. Accessories comprise Dixon flask retaining some original gilding and most original coppering with one significant dent; original bullet mold with some minor staining, ramrod appears original, as does turnscrew. One of the earliest pairs of Westley Richards percussion pistols known, this set would be a highlight of any collection of British best quality pistols.
Accessories
Case, Caps, Cleaning Jag, Screwdriver, Powder Flask, Bullet Mold, Cleaning Rod.
Manufacturer
Westley Richards