Rifle
Westley Richards and Co
Category
Arms and armour
Date
1866
Materials
iron, wood, brass, leather
Order this imageCollection
The Argory, County Armagh
NT 563372.1
Summary
Breech-loading “Monkey-tail” carbine dated 1866, by Westley Richards, Birmingham. Perhaps Capt. Shelton's?
Full description
Breech-loading “Monkey-tail” carbine by Westley Richards, Birmingham dated 1866. Round rifled iron barrel, stamped WHITWORTH PATENT .450 and .483. The muzzle with a blade fore-sight and having a calibrated ramp rear-sight at the breech. The breech chamber tilts upward for breech-loading. The breech chamber lever marked WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT and stamped with the company triangle trademark. The chamber with a percussion nipple and marked with Birmingham proof marks, BP under a Crown, together with the Serial No. 2678, the company triangle trademark and the number 52 (twice). The chamber length 11.5cm. The barrel retained to the stock by 1 barrel-band which incorporates a sling-swivel. Bayonet mount at the muzzle. Iron cleaning rod. Barrel length 60.4cm. Calibre 11.5mm. Fitted with black leather adjustable sling. Walnut three-quarter stock, stamped on the underside of the butt with the number 2678. Brass furniture comprising; butt-plate (marked 48 in white paint) and trigger guard. The butt with a sling swivel. Percussion lock, of flat form, engraved with makers name WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co. together with the company Triangle trademark, which contains the date 1866. Retained to the stock by 2 side-nails. Overall length: 106.6cm
Marks and inscriptions
Barrel breech: WHITWORTH PATENT .450 and .483 Breech block & lever: WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT Birmingham proof marks BP under a Crown; Serial No. 2678; Triangle device; number 52 (twice) Lockplate: WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co.; Triangle device containing the date 1866
Makers and roles
Westley Richards and Co, maker