Consecutive Matched Pair Westley Richards Connaught Model 20 GA Double Guns
SOLD FOR: $19000
LSB#: 220103TW002, 220103TW003
Make: Westley Richards
Model: Connaught
Serial Number: 143915, 143916
Year of Manufacture: 1966-1980s. We contacted Westley Richards regarding these shotguns and were informed that they do not have the record book for this serial range. The six-digit serials were uncommon, with most having four or five digit numbers. Their nearest six-digit record book was completed at serial 137010 in May, 1966.
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Lever Actuated Break Open, Side by Side Shotguns with Dual Triggers, Ejectors and Boxlock Actions
Markings:
143915: The top of the rib is marked “WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co ENGLAND” and at the rear with “1” in gold. The bottom of each barrel is marked “143915”. Each barrel flat has a series of Birmingham proof marks indicating a nitro proof for 2 3/4″ 20 gauge shells. The bottom of the barrel rib is marked “6749” and the forend lug is marked “MADE IN / ENGLAND”. The forend nosecap is marked “1” in gold. Each side of the receiver is marked “WESTLEY RICHARDS” in gold. The water table is marked on each side with Birmingham proof marks, the right is marked “143915”. The lever is marked “1” in gold. The guard is engraved “143915”. The initial plate in the belly is engraved “EBL”. The receiver, guard, bottom plate and exposed portion of the forend iron have extensive fine English scroll engraving with the motif carrying onto the top-rear of the barrel rib, the lever and the forend nosecap.
143916: The top of the rib is marked “WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co ENGLAND” and at the rear with “2” in gold. The bottom of each barrel is marked “143916”. Each barrel flat has a series of Birmingham proof marks indicating a nitro proof for 2 3/4″ 20 gauge shells. The bottom of the barrel rib is marked “6748”. The forend nosecap is marked “2” in gold. Each side of the receiver is marked “WESTLEY RICHARDS” in gold. The water table is marked on each side with Birmingham proof marks, the right is marked “143916”. The lever is marked “2” in gold. The guard is engraved “143916”. The initial plate in the belly is engraved “EBL”. The receiver, guard, bottom plate and exposed portion of the forend iron have extensive fine English scroll engraving with the motif carrying onto the top-rear of the barrel rib, the lever and the forend nosecap.
Barrel Length: 27 1/2”
Choke:
143915: The left barrel has a constriction of approximately 0.007″ (Skeet/Improved Cylinder), the right barrel is Cylinder Bore.
143916: The left barrel has a constriction of approximately 0.014″ (Light Modified), the right barrel is Cylinder Bore.
Sights / Optics: Each gun has a silver-colored bead at the front of its solid, concave rib.
Weight:
143915: 5 lb., 9.3 oz.
143916: 5 lb., 10.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Each shotgun has two-piece checkered select walnut with splinter forends, straight wrists, straight combs, silver-colored initial plates inlaid to their bellies and black rubber buttpads.
143915: The forend has a minor scuff near the nose and a compression in the top-right edge near the rear. The buttstock has a couple of small compressions and minor scratches in the left of the wrist in front of the checkering, a small nick in the left of the comb and a few light marks along the belly. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 5/8″ and 13 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, 13 7/8″ and 13″ to the back of the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2″. The stock is cast off slightly. The pad has hardened with some reddish coloring showing through the black. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-Excellent condition.
143916: The forend has lightly thinning finish and a few open grain-lines at the bottom-rear edge. The buttstock has a small compression in the belly toward the toe, a couple of minor wrinkles at the front edge of the wrist on the right where it meets the scallops at the rear of the receiver and similar open grain-lines at the rear edge of the top tang. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 5/8″ and 13 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, 13 7/8″ and 13″ to the back of the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 5/8″, drop at heel 2 1/8″. The stock is about neutral. The pad is still fairly supple, showing only faint wear. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition:
143915: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The left barrel has a few minor scuffs and scratches over the forend, the right barrel has a patch of light scuffing at the rear. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The receiver’s case color is strong. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
143916: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered faint marks and minor operational wear. The receiver’s case color is strong. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The actions function correctly including ejectors. The barrels lock up to each receiver with no play. The safeties engage automatically when the lever is pressed. We did not fire these shotguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun set comes in a leather-bound hard-sided luggage case with leather bolsters at the corners and a brass latch with a lock (no key is included). The case has English-style straps, a carry handle and is fit for both shotguns’ barrel sets and stocked receivers with compartments for accessories. There is a Westley Richards label inside the lid. The case has scattered light storage wear on the exterior with faint wear on the interior from the contents. Accessories include cleaning rods, jag, mop and brush ends for the rods, a partial box of Parker-Hale cleaning patches and an oiler bottle.
Our Assessment: Westley Richards has more than two centuries of experience building fine firearms, a tradition which continues to this day. As one of Britain’s oldest surviving maker of hand-made firearms, they continue to embody their motto “to be the maker of as good a gun as can be made”. Such luminaries as Ernest Hemingway have been among their storied clientele, appreciating the beauty, but also the quality and innovation of their guns. The manufacture of fine quality double guns has long been dominated by British firms, and Westley Richards has maintained this tradition.
This is an exceptionally smart consecutive pair of Westley Richards Connaught Model boxlock ejector shotguns. In Excellent condition, the guns appear to have seen little, if any use. They are very trim at just over five and a half pounds each, their 27 1/2″ barrels are chambered for 20 gauge shells with one having a bore choked between Skeet and Improved Cylinder and the other Cylinder bore. The second gun is similar, choked Light Modified with the other Cylinder Bore. These would be suitable for upland bird hunting as well as Skeet shooting.
Now why, you might ask, would the discerning sportsman want two guns which are essentially identical? Well, the most discerning sportsmen would have a gun-bearer accompany them, to unload and load their previously fired gun, the second of the brace already made ready for the next bird flushed! Obviously, the second could also be trusted to a companion accompanying you on your hunt or to train the young, aspiring hunter in your life.
Whether you’re a hunter, a collector, or both, the high condition, quality and stunning appearance of these guns make for an opportunity you don’t want to pass you by. This gorgeous set with its handsome case will enhance any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!