W. Richards muzzle loader-diff. question

[56mulberry]

Did a lot of looking on here regarding "W. Richards" and "Laminated Steel" --(older friend's husband died and it has been a wall-hanger for 30+ years--I assume it is the same cheapo Belgium made that I read about on here that needs to stay over the fireplace.) BUT--The only difference with hers is it is a double-barrell muzzle-loader shotgun w/percussion cap--I had not been able to find much on this aspect here or online. Most info is re:break action shotguns. I told her it is probably only a decoration but one of her kids thinks it is valuable and is after it. Just don't want her to get shafted if it actually IS worth more as a muzzle-loader?? Thanks for your time and knowledge--Doug

 

[Ron James]

The name W. Richards was used on Belgium imports. The real Wesley Richards used his full name and Birmingham, along with a slew of English proof markings. Laminated steel is simply another name for a type Damascus. Somewhere on the shotgun will be the letters ELG in a circle or oval which is the Belgium proof mark. The very reason they used the Trade name W. Richards is to fool the unwary into believing they were buying a fine English shotgun for only 4 dollars. As that famous showman used to say " there's a sucker born every minute ". You were right in your assessment, it's value is as a decorator piece. The fact that it is a muzzel adds little to it's value