A Pair of 12g 30" Damascus Game Guns Sir? A 'Project' Pair of Westley Richards 12g Droplock's Arrive at the workshops .

A new arrival to our inventory and workshop this week is this pair of damascus barrel, 12g Hand Detachable Lock ejector game guns with desirable 30 inch barrels. Made in 1907 these guns have served a life of work in the field, but have been clearly well and nicely maintained over their shooting career so far. They are worthy candidates for a full mechanical service and nice light refurbishment, following that returning back to a working life once again, in the hands of a new owner and further adventures.

By Simon Clode

The pair of actions showing locks and cover plates removed. The cover plates have a very nice, fine and detailed variation of the traditional scroll patter. A dog cameo sits on the trigger guard.

Cased pairs of Westley Richards damascus guns in this condition are not a frequent occurrence. Most that do enter the market do not have the basic requirements to justify the expense of full refurbishment, a decision we base on the condition of the barrels.

The very nice matching 2 1/2" chamber damascus barrels are in good condition but will be fully serviced, any dents removed, bores, chambers and chokes honed and polished. The guns will then be re-proofed.

The 14 1/2 inch stocks with tip and toe plates and forends have no major damage and will be stripped, dents and scratches raised, checker cut up as existing and the whole then oil finished,

The actions of the guns which are engraved with classic Westley Pattern scroll with name in banner will be degreased and lacquered and will have a full internal service. These are the loose cover plate model of pre 1911. Triggers will be adjusted, ejectors timed and any parts replaced which are seen to need to require that.

The pair of guns are cased in their original Westley Richards oak and Leather pattern case with the studded lid edge and 3 locks. The case will not be relined but all compartments will be made good and the original dark oil stained labels reattached.

After a final re browning of the barrels the guns will be ready for delivery in time for this years shooting season, at which time they will go on our used gun site.

Should anybody be interested in the guns in advance and would like other specific personal work carried our in this period, stock measurements and oval engraving for instance, please contact me to discuss, theexplora@westleyrichards.co.uk

By Simon Clode

6 Comments

Clive Newman on May 13, 2016 at 11:36 am

Obviously a well loved pair of game guns, looking forward to seeing them after there well deserved refurbishment.

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Vance Daigle on May 13, 2016 at 2:05 pm

Simon,

Another Rusty Ole nail I see, I hope they are sold before you show the finished product!!! If not then I can see myself adding them to my collection...they are great!!!! I was blessed to get the last pair of ole nails you showed on your Blog before a little TLC... and WOW!!! guns that are nearly 100 years old and look new. It is seldom that I show a guest my few humble guns, but when I do I always show my pair of Powell's with pride.
These guns have to be some of the best bang for the buck, Old pre-war guns that go through your factoy keeping the same stocks. When your lucky purchaser gets the guns he has another 100 years. for just a fraction of a new pair. Let me go before I commint to these two also...HAHA!!

In Christ
Vance,

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Michael A Crognale on May 13, 2016 at 4:28 pm

Email message sent.

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Chris Dolan on May 15, 2016 at 5:09 am

Simon, your blog is the best. I'm serious, it's crazy good. Please, keep it up, the unfolding (please). Gracies.

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DL on May 16, 2016 at 12:26 pm

I was intrigued by the name on the case and as I live in Dublin also I did a little amature sluthing (on the web) and came up with the following information:

Herbert Dudgeon Esq., Glandore. Kingstown, Dublin was born on 23 Oct 1869 and attented Chartherhouse Public School:

Dudgeon, Herbert, b. 23 Oct., 1869. (Robinites— Verites) ; Left
O.Q., 1885. Pensioner of Trin. Coll., Dublin; B.A.— Stock-
broker ; Partner in firm of Messrs. Dudgeon & Son.
H. Dudgeon, Esq., Glandore. Kingstown, Dublin.

His gravestone in Dublin's Deansgrange Cemetery reads:

No.276
In Loving Memory of | MARGARET JAMIESON | dearly loved & loving wife | of HERBERT DUDGEON |
Glandore, Kingstown | died 28th Feb. 1921 | "They will obtain joy and gladness | and sorrow and
sighing shall flee away" | and the above | HERBERT DUDGEON | died 27 July 1953 | and his wife |
CAROLINE | died 1st June 1961

I wonder what history these guns could tell?

DL

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Matthew Schmidt on May 19, 2016 at 1:48 pm

Beautiful guns, especially that scroll back. A magnificent pair which I am sure will be fun to restore.

Matt Schmidt.

Reply