Westley Richards Single Barrel Percussion Pistol…..SOLD
Created on September 5th 2010
An interesting piece from the Westley Richards stable, from 1855 by the companys’ records.
Serial number 103 on trigger guard tang and under barrel at breech and hut. The stock is clearly marked in the barrel recess with the serial number. Also on the underside of the barrel are British proof marks. .69 caliber 9″ round damascus barrel with steel captive ram-rod and brass round-pin fore-sight. Finely engraved barrel tang with fine sunburst in rear sighting grove.
Coarse cheqeured grip on full length figured walnut stock with rectangular german silver escutcheon and oval silver cross pin escutcheon.
Percussion lock, possible upgrade from flintlock by maker. Flat engraved scalloped lock with flat engraved hammer with monster head, specially designed to delect flash back and downwards. Lock engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS” with sliding safety.
The real mystery with this pistol is forward on the lock on the right side of the barrel and, the right side of the stock’s fore-end. There is a distinct flat running forward of the lock for about 3.1/2″ on the otherwise round barrel. Corresponding to this is a flat cutout/ledge in the fore-end as if to accomodate some missing add-on which has since been removed. There are no traces of fixing or change in colour of the barrel. My suggestion is that there may have been a belt-hook or snap out bayonet attached at some time in the pistols life. (If anybody can add to this we would be delighted to hear from you.)
£1650.
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