Shotgun
Westley Richards (founded 1812)
Category
Arms and armour
Date
Unknown
Materials
steel and wood
Measurements
1070 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1183717.2
Summary
Firearm. One of a pair of percussion double barrelled shotguns, circa 1850, by Westley Richards of London
Full description
One of a pair of English percussion sporting guns by Westley Richards, gunmaker, Birmingham 1814-1897. Round Damascus twist side-by-side iron barrels, joined by upper and lower ribs, the top rib signed WESTLEY RICHARDS, 170 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON. The breech formed with cupped nipple recesses and platinum safety vents. The muzzle with a bead foresight. 2 ramrod pipes attached to underside of barrel. Engraved false breech and barrel tang. Retained to the stock by 1 barrel slide. Wooden ramrod, the forward end with brass tip, the rear with a worm and cap. Length 66.2cm. Calibre 17mm. Walnut half stock, chequered at the wrist and fore-stock. Engraved steel furniture comprising; buttplate, trigger guard with decorative pineapple finial, and 1 ramrod pipe. White metal escutcheon to underside of butt. The trigger guard tangs of each gun engraved with consecutive serial No. 11295 ( item 6/1) and No.11296 (item 6/2). Double curved triggers. Engraved right and left percussion locks with dolphin engraved hammers, the plates signed WESTLEY RICHARDS. Retained to the stock by 1 sidenail. Overall length: 107.3cm
Provenance
Purchased by the National Trust from John George Herbert, 8th Earl of Powis and the Powis Estate Trustees in June 2010.
Makers and roles
Westley Richards (founded 1812)
References
Blackmore, 1986: Howard Blackmore: A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850 Bailey & Nye, 1978: DeWitt Bailey & Douglas Nye, English Gunmakers: Birmingham & Provincial Gun Trade