Add to calendar
Product Details
MADE FOR H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, EX. WESTLEY RICHARDS COLLECTION
WESTLEY RICHARDS
A 12-BORE 1864 PATENT SINGLE-BITE SNAP-ACTION TOPLEVER BAR-IN-WOOD HAMMERGUN, serial no. 11555,
for 1869 and originally in pinfire form, 30in. nitro reproved bold damascus barrels, tapered rib engraved '1', 'PATENT' and 'WESTLEY RICHARDS 170 NEW BOND ST. LONDON.' and with shell and scroll engraved 'doll's head' top extension, patent no. 2149 of 24th September 1858, 2 1/2in. chambers, true cyl. in both, Westley Richards improved single-bite toplever snap-action, patent no. 2623 of 22nd October 1864, use number 1415, converted to centrefire by another, carved serpentine pinfire fences, the toplever engraved '1' and 'WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT' with acanthus scroll detailing, non-rebounding sidelocks with replacement hammers, bold acanthus scroll engraving, the triggerguard with beaded bordering, bar-in-wood, the fore-end meeting the knuckle in a crab joint, cross-pin release with gold escutcheons and ornately carved horn finial, retaining traces of original colour-hardening, 14 1/8in. well-figured stock including steel buttplate and inset with a gold oval escutcheon bearing the crest and monogram of H.R.H. Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, weight 6lb. 12oz., in its leather-bound oak case, the lid outer also with the crest and monogram of H.R.H the Duke of Cambridge
Provenance: A letter from the makers accompanying the Lot confirms the following:
"I am pleased to confirm that this weapon, completed on the 19th June 1869 was built for H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge. It was originally of pinfire ignition but has been converted to central-fire ignition, at some later date, by persons unknown.
The records show that it was built as one of a pair with gun No. 11556. That weapon has vanished without trace, whilst gun No. 11555 has survived in remarkable condition. The walnut stock is of particularly rich figure, with a gold oval bearing the Duke's crest and monogram.
The Duke of Cambridge's gun was in the Westley Richards collection for many years and was transferred to Mr Holder's similar collection on 20th February 1991"
A photocopy of the entry from the record books also accompanies the Lot, which informs that gun numbers 11549 / 50 were made for H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh
Prince George William Frederick Charles, Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904) was the grandson of King George III and cousin to Queen Victoria. An army officer by profession, served as Commander-in-Chief of the Forces from 1856-1895 and Chief military adviser to the Secretary of State for War. Whilst a staunch traditionalist, generally opposed to any form of reform to the British Forces, he did encourage the trial of various breech loading carbines for the cavalry - one (by Westley Richards) proving so successful, a version for the infantry was ordered in 1861. He was also involved in the Staff College and the Royal Military School of Music and was a governor of the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
An equestrian statue on Whitehall, in front of the War Office in central London stands in commemoration to his service
Other Notes: Images of the shooting party including H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge at Heveningham Hall (please see Lot 1300 and also illustrated on the website) kindly supplied by Dr. Nicholas A. Harlow from the archives of J. Purdey & Sons Ltd.
Please click HERE to view Terms & Conditions. Please note all Lots are listed in accordance with UK Law, for overseas buyers, please ensure you are familiar with your relevant local firearms and customs regulations before bidding.
Estimate £1,000-1,500
S2 - Sold as a Section 2 Firearm under the 1968 Firearms Act