A Good Westley Richards, Maker To HRH Prince Albert, Double Barrelled Percussion Action Sporting Gun Bespoke Made Between 1842 And 1852

Fine twist barrels marked Stubbs and WR with serial number, 541. *Using the Westley Richards serial number search database they determined it was commissioned between 1842 And 1852. Fine walnut stock and fully deluxe engraved steel mounts and gunlock.

Westley Richards & Co Ltd was established in 1812 by the celebrated Birmingham gunmaker, William Westley Richards (1790-1865), He challenged the pre-eminence of the London gunmakers and his appointment as gunmaker to the Prince Consort in 1840 gave tangible expression to his success. The expansion of the firm in the nineteenth century was based on a continuous stream of technical improvements and innovations. Increasingly, it specialised in two areas: sporting guns, which continue to be the mainstay of the gunmaking part of the business, and the production of military weapons, beginning with the Enfield musket of 1853.

Like other gun makers of the time, William Westley Richards, and his successor son, Westley Richards, were involved in the development of firearms for sport and war, with many patents improving military rifles and ammunition; solid-drawn brass cartridges being notable amongst them. One of the firm’s other successes was the breech-loading, ‘monkey tail carbine’, which went into limited service in 1866, gaining popularity with cavalry and colonial forces.

Westley Richards currently offer a detailed letter, stating for whom the gun was commissioned, although they do not have complete records. This service costs £120

The gun has natural ageing and wear throughout, with a small stock repair under the gunlock, barrels browned and all other steel grey, with areas of light pitting. A perfect collectors and display piece by one of Britains finest bespoke gun makers.

Code: 25341