April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Built in 1929 and believed to be the only .404 Nitro Express Double Rifle that world renowned gun and rifle maker Westley Richards has ever built. The cartridge was developed approximately 111 years ago and, interestingly, at that time felt to be the more modern version of the 450/400. This very rare & special .404 Nitro Express Double Rifle was very popular in both Africa and India. With proper use it is adequate for any game. This lovely rifle is adorned with beautiful 24" steel barrels with a quarter rib, dolls head extension, and ejectors. The underside of barrels are engraved with the barrel makers initials of "H.L". Barrel flats are clean and are marked with the appropriate Birmingham proofs as well as "CORDITE 60 - 400 MAX" "MADE IN ENGLAND" and ".404 2.87". The rib reads "WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. LONDON." Right barrel reads "REGULATED FOR 400 GRN BULLET." Left barrel reads "FOR .404 RIMLESS CARTRIDGE". The nicely flat filed raised quarter rib is affixed with 1 standing sight at 100 and consecutive folding leaf sights at 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. Muzzle of barrel is fitted with the "WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT COMBINATION" hinged hooded silver tipped blade fore sight which also bears a flip up white moon sight. The clean case colored action breech face houses fire blued disc set strikers and a doll's head third fastener. The strong sidelock action features double triggers, auto safety, engraved blacked top lever, and a blacked engraved trigger guard. The colorful case colored lockplates are handsomely scroll engraved with "WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO." in a flowing banner along with gold line cocking indicators. Rifle furniture is blacked. The well figured and dark walnut stock is stocked to the fences and has drop points, sharp 24 line per inch checkered pistol grip that is fitted with a case colored engraved steel cap box, shadow line cheekpiece, gold oval with initials/crest and an orange Silver's style butt pad. Stock and barrels both have eyes for sling. The matching splinter forend is adequately fitted with a horn forend tip and Deeley release. This beautiful rifle is also equipped with a custom oak and leather grey elephant hide case. The case is fitted with a black leather Westley Richards trade label, 2 oil bottles, a pair of brass snap caps, 3 rosewood turnscrews, a custom handled barrel cleaning tool, rosewood striker pot, wooden/brass cleaning rod, and case keys. CONDITION: Excellent. Barrels retain 98% blue and rifling is strong. Forend is very good with slight handling marks. Stock is very good over all with small chips at horns, behind locks and just a few slight handling marks. Case label is coming unglued otherwise elephant hide case is also in excellent condition. This classic rifle and caliber is one for the collector/African game hunter.
Accessories
Cleaning Tools
Manufacturer
Westley Richards
Paperwork
Manufacture Letter