Westley Richards & Co

[Dan Forrester]

Hi, my same friend who is selling the Lee Enfield I asked about over on the rifle forum is also selling this shotgun. Any idea on the history of a gun like this or what would be its value. Somehow I think it will be more expensive than the Lee Enfield!

Thank you, Dan

 

[Dan Forrester]

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[prestpat]

Westley Richards were the inventors (or at least patentees) of the boxlock action. They were most famous for their hand detachable lock, or droplock, guns. They're still in business today, and new shotguns start at around $70,000: http://www.westleyrichards.com/

Yours appears to be a 'Gold Name' boxlock, which was one of their more basic models but still beautifully made. They made them for a long time, but because the case colors look so perfect, I'm guessing either this one was made later and used very little, or has been expertly restored. If you go to the gun histories page of their website, you can get an approximate date by entering the serial number. In any case, it looks to be in excellent shape, and with its original case and accessories it should be pretty desirable. I'm no expert on values, but I'd guess $4,000 at a minimum and possibly as much as double that.

 

[Virginian]

Wow, this really jumps out on the home of the "cheapest possible guns" (almost).

 

[oneounceload]

The NEW WR are rebadged Turkish imports - which this not.
2-1/2" chambers means using the proper ammo, not your regular 2-3/4" ammo.

It appears to be of a set, perhaps a pair at one time with the "1" on the receiver. The single trigger is a minus.

Anson & Deeley invented the boxlock and their action design is still in use by a majority of makers. There is also the Scottish trigger plate action, WR's drop lock (which this not) and sidelocks which are altogether different.

The doll's head lockup is nice for added strength, and the maker's case is an added plus

Here is a link to what the British proof marks mean:

http://www.shotguns.se/html/uk.html

It is a 12 bore, 2-1/2" chambered and those proof marks make it appear to be from before 1954 when the marks were changed.

It looks to have been refinished, most likely before being sold at Sotheby's, probably a large estate sale/auction

I would have a pro check it out and determine what the tubes are choked.

 

[bannockburn]

Dan Forrester

All of the various proof marks on the gun date it from a period between 1904 and 1955. The diamond with the 12 and the letter C in it means it has a chamber shorter than 3 inches. The Crown over the letters BP was the Birmingham Definitive Proof Mark; Crown over BV was for the Birmingham View Mark. Crown over NP was the Nitro Proof Mark and Nitro Proof 1 1/8 shot oz. was for a shotgun that was proofed for nitro powder and shot. The number 12 was the bore designation.

 

[Gordon]

I'd say 4-5K$ but will be a slower seller because of the 2.5" chambers and the single trigger. For some reason I'd say earlier post WW2 and not refinished, but I'd have to examine it to tell for sure. $3000 right now cash price would be fair IMHO without getting an appraisal.

 

[oneounceload]

What is the serial number?

Plug it in here:

http://www.westleyrichards.com/services/gun-histories

That will tell you approximately when it was made

 

[PabloJ]

It is quality BLNE "Keeper Grade" gun from first tier Birmingham maker. The pluses are single trigger, heavy 1&1/8oz proof and POW grip. If the soft solder is in good shape barrels have plenty of thickness chambers have original length the gun is worth very good price. Open choke combo would add to the value. Too bad I do not live if FL. I would give him good price for it if the gun checked out.
The guys at Doublegunshop forums can estimate gun worth to you.

 

[Dan Forrester]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Ill pass it on to my friend. The gun is not mine although my wife is telling me to buy it! It belongs to a good friend of mine whos deceased father owned a gun shop.

Thank you for the link to the proof mark listings. That will be a great reference for future use.

I did not get down the serial number from the gun. I'll need to get that and plug it in.

Thanks to everyone for the responses. Sorry for the slow responses. Work has been keeping me busy.

Dan