May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2020
Fine early muzzleloader made by Westley Richards, likely made around 1831, upon W. Moore's retirement from the military. Made with fine twist barrels that have makers name and address on the Damascus concave top rib that has a small brass front bead. Original rosewood ram rod is attached on bottom with three ferrules. Barrels are wedge fastened to the frame at the forend which is checkered in a point pattern. Case hardened locks and hammers are lightly scroll engraved with makers name on locks. Trigger guard and tang are lightly scroll engraved with pineapple finial at front and serial number at tang. The straight grip buttstock is checkered in point pattern with silver oval near toe and has full steel blued buttplate. The buttplate is beautifully engraved "PRESENTED TO W. MOORE ESQ. / ON HIS LEAVING / THE 6th REGT.M.N.I / WITH THE BEST WISHES OF HIS LATE BROTHER OFFICERS". William Moore was a Lieutenant in the Madras Native Infantry and he joined the Army December 1824, and resigned November 1831. Gun is housed in a period wooden case with brass appointments and has tools and accessories. CONDITION: Excellent as restored during the period of use. Barrels retain most of their brown with light pitting towards muzzle. Stocks are sound, finish beginning to show light crackling. Buttplate with renewed blue and some pitting and loss towards toe. Case is very good with minor wear. Interior of case with some staining. A very interesting presentation gun that could potentially be further researched along with the research letter that is included. JTH
Barrel Wall Thickness
(L) .032 (R) .028
Internal Bore Diameter
(L) .697 (R).698
Manufacturer
Westley Richards