(C) AN ATTRACTIVE 12 GAUGE WESTLEY RICHARDS OVUNDO OVER UNDER DROPLOCK SHOTGUN.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023

Circa 1913-1919 per Westley Richards; dated 1913 on left side of barrels, which would be first year of production. Barrels are fit with a smooth concave game rib with a steel bead front sight, signed "Westley Richards & Co London " in gullet, left side of top barrel with British Birmingham proofs for a Nitro Proofed 12 gauge for 1 - 1/8 oz. shot, bottom barrel with proofs for same, and matching serial number; right side of both barrels with a more recent reproof for a 12 gauge 2 - 3/4" chambered nitro gun with a nominal .740 IBD. Mid ribs marked on right side "12 GUAGE [sic] 2 3/4 CHAMBER UPPER MODIFIED LOWER FULL CHOKE", right with "Ovundo System Regd No 354045/1913". Bolsters with running scroll with double bites. Round nose forearm with horn cap has point pattern checkering and a Deely latch release, engraved with florals and geometrics, exterior iron with running scroll; matching "1244" stamped on interior of wood. Action flats with Birmingham proofs, Westley Richards patent numbers. Scalloped back droplock action engraved with well-cut wide acanthus scroll on action, signed "Westley Richards & Co" on both sides; jeweled actions have matching serial numbers and patent numbers. Tang with pivoting opening lever, and engraved "Westley Richards / Patent One Trigger"; automatic safety with "SAFE" inlaid in gold. Single selective mechanical trigger with selector on right with gold "U" and "O" designations. Nicely marbled smokey stock with a largely straight grain is constructed with side panels and teardrops, point pattern checkering around the English straight wrist, and a checkered butt. CONDITION: Very good as rehabilitated. Barrels with a good quality reblue, probably when gun was reproofed, legends softened somewhat but still readable, with some minor marks throughout. Stocks are good with some slight marring at edges with action, and some other handling marks commensurate with use. Forearm has a 1 - 1/2" crack on left side, comb has area of repair at tip of comb. Mechanically fine, bores are very good, bright and shiny with minor frosting. Ejectors are soft but in time. One minor mar to droplock plate that does not detract. Cast off for a right handed shooter.

Name

Value

Barrel Length

29"

Barrel Wall Thickness

(O) .025 (U) .018

Chamber

2 - 3/4"

Choke

(O) .014 (U) .037

Drop at Comb

1 - 3/8"