Westley-Richards Side by Side?
I recently purchased a double barreled, hammered shotgun with the only legible markings as "Richards" on both sides of the lower reciever group. Is there anyway of getting a better identification and estimation of age on this piece?"
Thanks....
RT.
Thanks....
RT.
0
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IF? Your shotgun is a breach loader? On the "Watertable", i.e. flat surface the barrels rest on. There should be numerous proof marks. Also there should be proofs on the breach areas of the barrels.
Describe the proof marks for us, as best that you can.
Chances are your shotgun is a Belgian made "Knock-Off". It was quite common for them to put spurious markings on their inexpensive guns during that era, circa 1885-1914.
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If your gun isn't stamped "WESTLEY RICHARDS", then it's not what you think. See the "ELG" proofs and know you're a victim of the hundred year plus Belgian scam.
Nord0 -
Welcome to the Ask the Experts Forum!The Proof Marks are going to be the deciding Factor as to wither or not You have an English made Gun or a Belguim KNOCKDOWN? By the way...Is this Shotgun a Percussion Gun or does it shoot a Shell? I don't want to be presumptive and give you information on makers of Shell Firing Guns if You happen to have a Percussion gun....or Vice Versa...My data base has a Long List of British Makers named RICHARDS from the 1840 to present...! With a better discription I/We can give a more positive answer to Your question.......Best.......
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
I am having a rough day health wise, and getting frustrated with trying to identify this this.
This gun is a breech loading "Shell" shooter as it has very flattened firing pins. Or should I say pin. One is missing, apparently bent due to a weak return spring and in order to close the action.
On the water mark, there is what appears to be a key (?) three numbers, and a very small "1/2" or "#12".
On the bottom of the breech is ther same "Key" mark as well as a circle with four 'for me' unreadable stamps. I'll have to go and buy a good magnifying glass.
This is a very "Old" gun and has been closeted away for so long the bores are congested with cob webs that I have yet to clean. I'm still trying to clean the proof mark areas without doing any damage to the piece.
Also on the barrel bridge is stamped "Fine Laminated Steel."
It only says Richards on both sides of the bottom assembly. By no means am I a fire arms expert or collector. I just figured this would look good stacked in the corner of the fire place with some cork duck decoys and a friend told me that I had something. So I can't be hurt too bad either way.
I thank you guys for your time and effort!0 -
quote:Originally posted by RT
I am having a rough day health wise, and getting frustrated with trying to identify this this.
This gun is a breech loading "Shell" shooter as it has very flattened firing pins. Or should I say pin. One is missing, apparently bent due to a weak return spring and in order to close the action.
On the water mark, there is what appears to be a key (?) three numbers, and a very small "1/2" or "#12".
On the bottom of the breech is ther same "Key" mark as well as a circle with four 'for me' unreadable stamps. I'll have to go and buy a good magnifying glass.
This is a very "Old" gun and has been closeted away for so long the bores are congested with cob webs that I have yet to clean. I'm still trying to clean the proof mark areas without doing any damage to the piece.
Also on the barrel bridge is stamped "Fine Laminated Steel."
It only says Richards on both sides of the bottom assembly. By no means am I a fire arms expert or collector. I just figured this would look good stacked in the corner of the fire place with some cork duck decoys and a friend told me that I had something. So I can't be hurt too bad either way.
I thank you guys for your time and effort!
Here is a site that shows excellent representations of the Belgian proofs that you're likely to find on your shotgun.
http://www.dave-cushman.net/shot/proofmarks.html
Break-out your magnifying glass, and see if there the same.0
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