A Cased 12-Bore D.B. Percussion Sporting Gun by Wesley Richards, No. 2951. With browned twist sighted barrels signed along the rib, breeches engraved with foliage between each and with pierced platinum plugs, foliate engraved tang and locks, the later signed in capitals, foliate engraved dolphin hammers, figured half-stock with chequered grip, foliate engraved steel mounts comprising butt-plate decorated with a spray of foliage on the tang, with elaborate engraving on the bow of the trigger guard and stylised pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheon and brass tipped ramrod: in original lined and fitted brass-mounted mahogany case with accessories including Bartrams patent flask, shot belt, the interior of the lid with maker’s trade label, the exterior with circular brass escutcheon and flush fitting brass carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks. (some damage to the exterior of the box - lock replaced)

Richards, William Westley & Westley (son) [1812-1872]

William Westley Richards was born in Birmingham, England in 1788 of a family of merchants and silversmiths. In 1812 he established a gunsmiths shop at 82 High Street, Birmingham, selecting his gunsmiths from the already thriving gun trade in Birmingham. His first production was high-grade flintlock fowling pieces. In 1813 he was an active petitioner in establishing the Birmingham Proof House through an act of Parliament. 

He had the foresight to realise that he had to have a London outlet for his firearms, as the London market was by far the largest, and also for possible export trade to the Continent.

He chose the most fashionable quarter of London, a street made famous as the resort of the luxury class to which his guns appealed. The establishment was opened in 1815 at the then numbered 170 Bond Street. 

A. Merwyn Carey (1954) English, Irish and Scottish Firearms Makers, Acro Publishing Company, New York. 

RICHARDS

William Westley Gunmaker, Birmingham from 1812. Retail shop (with William Bishop as agent) 170 New Bond Street.,1826-72; 25 Lawrence Pountney Street., 1853-5. Gunmaker to Prince Albert. Died 1865. Firm then run by son, Westley Richards. 

Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA. 

Dimensions:

Bore: 12 Bore

Barrel Length: 28 Inches ( 

Overall Length: 44 Inches (