Richards double barrel shotgun

[webersc37]

I have a Richards double barrel shotgun, my guess is that its from the late 1800s to early 1900s. It belonged to my great uncle who fought in WWII, and I'm nearly positive that he was not the original owner. The only markings, other than engravings I do not know how to describe are "Richards" on both sides near the trigger and "laminated steel" on top of the barrel. Its possible that the butt was once marked, but its impossible to tell now. Its a side by side and appears to be a 12 gauge. After some research, I feel its important to note that it is simply engraved "Richards" no W. And no address
.. any info would be great, I'll try to post pictures after work tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[oneounceload]

I would bet if you took the forearm off and removed the barrels you'll find some proof marks underneath. If one of them has the letters ELG then that is a Belgian proof mark. Belgian copies of guns from that time are great wallhangers today. If it is not Belgian, then there were a few companies here who also tried to imitate a Westley Richards (it was ALWAYS spelled out), but again - these were poor imitations

 

[PabloJ]

I have a Richards double barrel shotgun, my guess is that its from the late 1800s to early 1900s. It belonged to my great uncle who fought in WWII, and I'm nearly positive that he was not the original owner. The only markings, other than engravings I do not know how to describe are "Richards" on both sides near the trigger and "laminated steel" on top of the barrel. Its possible that the butt was once marked, but its impossible to tell now. Its a side by side and appears to be a 12 gauge. After some research, I feel its important to note that it is simply engraved "Richards" no W. And no address
.. any info would be great, I'll try to post pictures after work tomorrow. Thanks!

Often called JABc. Usually marked W. Richards. I haven't seen a good one jet. It ain't no Westley Richards of Birmingham.

 

[Still Shooting]

Richards Shotgun

Years ago I temporarily owned a shotgun that was (converted from percussion?) with hand-threaded nipples, fitted with firing pins. It had a damascus barrel, with thin brown oxide stripes laterally around the length of the barrels, and a rib with chevron oxide markings (pointed towards the muzzle). It was a 12ga. gun, and was marked "Richards of London - fine twist barrels".

I have often wondered about the origin of this gun. It was missing a nipple, which I hand cut a replacement for, and it only had one firing pin. I turned 2 new firing pins, had them heat-treated, and replaced also the one missing firing pin spring. I located some full brass shell cases, loaded them with black powder, wads and shot, and very carefully proofed it lashed to a tire, with strings to the triggers. I fired it from around the corner of a building, and the gun had no signs of distress.

When I had it functional, the "friend" who had sold it to me for $15 as a wall-hanger insisted on paying me $15 for the parts and taking it back!