Exceptional 'Falcon' Gun At Westley Richards

There has always been a category of gun which exceeds the 'best' concept perpetuated by Britain's premier gun makers. A 'best' gun is a gun built on the best action of the type chosen, from the finest materials available and constructed with quality as the single criterion, not cost. The result is an uncompromisingly beautiful sporting gun, perfect for the task for which it was built; be that given grouse shooting or live pigeon competition.

It is possible to create a 'best' gun without any engraving at all and that has been done in the past, though it would be more usual to give a 'best' gun full coverage engraving of the desired style.

Guns like the one illustrated here are generally described as 'Exhibition Grade'. The intent is not simply to create the finest bespoke sporting gun it is possible to make, but to elevate that gun to higher level through the artistic application of aesthetic embellishments.

In this case, that artistic elevation is primarily expressed through the remarkably beautiful and intricate engraving, carving and inlay of gold.

As any Westley Richards customer would expect, every detail of the construction and finish of this 20-bore sidelock bears close scrutiny. Unlike many apparently fine guns, this is not embarrassed by macro photography. The fit and finish of every facet of the gun is perfect.

It is difficult to incorporate unusual artistic elements into a shotgun design that do not appear gimmicky. However, the subtle alteration of this gun's top-lever to take the form of a falcon is executed so beautifully here that it looks entirely appropriate and functional.

Simply smothering a gun in gold can ruin its subtle, beautiful balance of form and function. For intricate embellishment to work and appear tasteful it needs to be very carefully laid out and finely executed.

The engravers clever use of gold borders and flowing lines guide the eye along the gun's natural flow of shape and proportion, enhancing its natural grace. The perfectly executed medium bold scrolls, used as background, tie the lines into the action, locks and furniture.

The right blend and depth of case hardening colour complements the gold and the deep blacking. The slim, 20-bore sidelock frame, which is carefully scaled to size, creates a gun of grace and balance, which helps explain its popularity.

Built with 27 inch barrels, it is a fast-handling, instinctive gun to use.

Serial No. 20391 was completed in August 2024 and it must rank as one of the most beautiful guns to ever leave these workshops. It's expensive and elaborate engraving certainly makes it stand apart in a crowd but in no way reduces its apparent usability.

This gun, though representing the height of what is possible when specifying a build quality and degree of artistry that is worthy of presentation to the most discerning individual, nevertheless, would be perfectly at home on a  grouse moor.

Like all Westley Richards guns and rifles, regardless of the intent or the cost of the order, we treat every one as if it will be expected to endure a lifetime in the hands of a sportsman.

A hundred years ago Westley Richards built guns of this type for the Maharajahs of British India, who were fabulously wealthy, keen sportsmen and passionate about beautiful firearms.

Today, many of their modern equivalents are middle-eastern Sheikhs, who perpetuate that tradition of appreciation for the highest forms of artistic expression applied to sporting guns and rifles.

Through such patronage, Westley Richards continues to build a historic legacy of beautiful guns, like this 20-bore, which will captivate future generations.

We are very proud that this, the finest work of its kind being made today, is being sent across the world from our Birmingham workshops.