Product Details
* AN EXTREMELY RARE .450 CENTREFIRE 'COMBUSTIBLE CARTRIDGE' MONKEY TAIL CARBINE SIGNED WESTLEY RICHARDS, serial no. 331,
dated for 1868, with 24in. Birmingham proofed barrel marked 'WHITWORTH PATENT', block and blade foresight and elevating ladder rearsight, modified 'monkey tail' type breech lever stamped 'WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT', underslung sliding breech block with inclined firing pin with attached lug (struck by an external hammer), the receiver with cutaway sides for ease of loading, standard 'monkey tail' lock with 'WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO' over '1868', walnut full-stock with straight-hand grip, the right side of butt with impressed supplier's stamp 'ROB'T HUGHES, UNIVERSAL FIREARMS WORKS, BIRM'M', brass furniture except one iron barrel band, complete with original clearing rod and provision for sling
Provenance: Westley Richards obtained Patent No 688 of 1866 to protect this design, which was one of his attempts to adapt the Monkey Tail system to handle centrefire cartridges. The system was designed to accept a modified form of Monkey Tail combustible cartridge with the primer placed in the felt base wad, which after firing would be shot out by the succeeding round. Rifles of this type were tested by the Government between 1866 and 1869 without success, but they did go into commercial production and it is estimated that about 500 were made between 1867 and 1869. See The Capping Breech Loader In British & Colonial Service 1859-1866 Vol 2 by Brian C. Knapp for more details
* Please note this item is subject to 5% VAT on the hammer price (UK Buyers only).
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 £700-900
Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament