Musket
Westley Richards (fl.1840-1872)
Category
Metalwork
Date
circa 1840
Materials
iron, wood
Measurements
1460 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire
NT 980282
Summary
Percussion sporting gun, c1840, by Westley Richards, Birmingham (active 1840-1872) .
Full description
Percussion sporting gun, c1840, by Westley Richards, Birmingham (active 1840-1872) . Iron barrel formed in three stage, octagonal to 16 sided to round at the muzzle, and of Damascus twist construction, with an under-rib and 2 ramrod pipes. The breech with inset platinum lines and a safety vent; the top flat with the makers signature, “Westley Richards”. Bead foresight. Engraved barrel tang with sighting groove. Retained to the stock by 1 barrel slide. Wooden ramrod with brass tip and worm. Barrel length 81.3cm. Calibre 18mm. Walnut half-stock with chequered wrist, and having engraved steel furniture comprising, buttplate, trigger guard with pinapple finial and fore-end pipe. The trigger guard tang fitted with curious wooden knob (to act as a finger support?). White metal fore-end cap and barrel slide escutcheons. Percussion lock, engraved and signed in Gothic script, “Westley Richards”. Secured to the stock by 1 side-nail. Overall length: 122cm
Provenance
Formerly on loan but purchased on 26th September 2008 from Mrs Mary Henry on behalf of the Clive Family.
Marks and inscriptions
Barrel top: Westley Richards Lockplate: Westley Richards
Makers and roles
Westley Richards (fl.1840-1872) , gunsmith
References
Bailey & Nye, 1978: DeWitt Bailey & Douglas Nye, English Gunmakers: Birmingham & Provincial Gun Trade