Westley Richards “Patented One Trigger” 12 Ga SxS Drop Block Shotgun, Cased w/ Accessories

Make: Westley Richards
Model: Patented One Trigger
Serial Number: 9251
Year of Manufacture: 1906
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 ¾” Nitro Proof
Action Type: Lever Actuated Break, Side by Side Shotgun
Markings: The top of the barrels are marked “Westley Richards New Bond St. London” and “2”. The bottom of the barrels are marked as follows: the round barrel portions are marked “H.L. “ and crown over “BP”, and “Steel 9251”, the flat sections are marked “Crown over “R”, Crown over “NP”, and “BV”, and “BP”, “Nitro Proof” “1 1/8 1 ¼ oz.”, and “12/C” in a triangle. In addition, the left barrel flat is marked with what looks like “D”,”B”,”8” in crossed swords. The forend metal is marked “2” and the wood is marked “9251”. The left and right sides of the receiver are marked “Westley Richards.” In gold. The trigger guard is marked “9251”. The water table is marked with crown over “BP” and “Patent No. 1143 / 3952-1899” on the right, and Crown over “BP”, “Westley Richards / 1510 / Patent 17731.1887” on the left. The top of the receiver at the lever is marked “Westley Richards”, and at the same place on the lever is marked “Patent One Trigger”. The number “2” is found on the lever. We have attempted to photograph all markings, inside and out…
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The left bore measures .720” at the muzzle and the right bore measures .734”
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver bead front sight. There is a full length rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are nicely grained and checkered dark wood cut in the European straight stock fashion. There is some finish loss on the left and right sides of the stock at the scallops, likely from use. There are scattered surface dings and marks, the worst of which is a compression mark on the left side at the trigger guard and several on the right side near the buttpad. None are severe. There has been a wood spacer added – though this was done professionally . The LOP measures about 14 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the rubber buttpad. The buttpad has become hard but does not show cracks. The stocks rate in about Good plus overall condition. The forend wood is in good condition without cracks or losses but showing some minor surface scratches at the tip and some compression marks further back. The drop at comb is approx. 1.5” and the drop at heel is approx. 2”.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. The right bore is bright without flaws. The left bore is mostly bright but there is erosion for about the first 6” of the bore from the breech, beyond that the bore is bright without flaws.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows old case hardening on the forend with a small spot of crazing on the left side. The barrels remain mostly scratch free with just a few minor spots of wear . The case colors of the receiver can still be seen. There is some light surface erosion on the left side of the receiver, which should clean up with some steel wool and oil. There are some scratches and wear on the left side of the firewall, behind the barrel. Please see our photos. There is some beginning surface erosion on the right side of the receiver. The hinge plate and the trigger guard are nicely blue with some minor nicks on the hinge plate and only one small spot of finish loss on the trigger guard. The muzzle end of the barrel has some discoloration. The Screw heads are sharp and undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this fine old shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is an old well made wooden frame leather covered box with accessories provided with this shotgun. The inside lid of the box has a paper label which reads “Westley Richards & Co., LTD. / 23, Conduit Street, / London, W.I. / Gun and Rifle Makers / by Warrants of Appointment to the / Royal Family for over 100 years. The label is in excellent condition. The interior of the box is green felt, also in very good condition, with no tears or losses. The wood is in great condition and the hinges are intact. The exterior very thick leather shows much wear and many surface marks, dings and depressions, however there are no tears. There is much wear evident on the back side over the hinges. The corners are brass and protected. There is a brass round medallion on the top marked “G.L.”. We don’t know who that is. The lock is functional, there is no key. The right strap is missing. The left strap is torn and shows wear and has cracks and finish loss. Accessories include: two plated snap caps marked Westley Richards in excellent condition, a plated/Silver oil can in excellent condition, a wooden cleaning rod with brass tips in very good condition, an original box of Parker Hale shotgun patches (complete), a partially used tube of Eley wax, a bottle of “303” rust inhibitor and cleaner, a Westley Richards polishing cloth in near new condition (protected by a plastic wrap), and two brushes and a plastic(?) jag – all in excellent condition. Our consignor states that this set-up has been together, as-is for literally over 50 years.
Our Assessment: This is an exceptionally smart early 1900’s Westley Richards side by side shotgun; a truly spectacular gun, made even better by the case and original accessories. Few makers are ever compared to Westley Richards – though Parker, Webley & Scott, Purdey and Merkel are among them. The shotgun itself is in great condition with its only flaw being the left bore with some mild erosion. There is much life left in this shotgun and it will enhance any collection. What a classy gentlemen’s acquisition this will be.

Sold For: $5,500

Westley Richards "Patented One Trigger" 12 Ga SxS Drop Block Shotgun, Cased w/ Accessories
Westley Richards "Patented One Trigger" 12 Ga SxS Drop Block Shotgun, Cased w/ Accessories