Here is just such a rifle, in remarkable, apparently unused, condition. We no longer offer this model as a new build option but when we last did so the price was in excess of £140,000.
Serial No.20269 was built as a classic between-the-wars style best, double sidelock for big game.
It has 26" chopper lump barrels, doll's head rib extension, a standing rear sight regulated to 50 yards and one leaf regulated to 100. The foresight is a traditional ramp and blade, with a protector.
The beautifully figured, pistol-hand stock measures 14 3/4" to centre, with a Silver's anti-recoil pad and features a classic cheek-piece on the left-hand side. The gold oval contrasts nicely with the engraved and colour-hardened steel grip-cap.
Engraving is by English master engraver Wesley Tallett, Â in timeless bold scroll, which extends onto the rolled-edge trigger guard, the barrels and the quarter rib.
The locks are traditional, with the pins showing, rather than the pinless type that now predominates. The forend is attached and released via our classic Deeley & Edge patent catch.
All steel parts are colour case-hardened, except the top-lever, guard and safety slide, which are a glossy, deep black.
The rifle was proofed to 2800 BAR and regulated for a 570 grain bullet.
In-keeping with the classic style of the rifle, the use of gold is restricted to the maker's name on the rib and the line on the tumbler pivot, acting as a cocking-indicator.
Rarely seen on the market, an 'as new' best, sidelock .500 NE will be the perfect companion any serious hunter heading to Africa in search of dangerous game.
Of all the popular British big game cartridges, among which we would include the .470, the .500 and the .577, the .500 is probably the one most favoured by professional hunters. Its combination of portability, ammunition availability, penetration and raw stopping power makes it a master of all trades, with no real weaknesses.
Westley Richards developed the .500 NE, back in the 1890s, from the old black powder case, using Cordite. Today, Nosler, Norma, Hornady and Kynoch all make commercially available ammunition for it.
Kynoch 570-grain loads launch the bullet at 2,150 fps and on impact it delivers 5,851 ft-lbs of energy: almost 1,800 ft-lbs more than a .375 H&H Magnum.
This rifle retains 100% of its original case colours, there is no wear on the blacking on the guard strap and the chequer looks like it left the factory yesterday.
It is no longer possible to order a sidelock double rifle from Westley Richards but it is possible to buy one; this one.
But not for long!
For more information, please contact Trigger at anthony@westleyrichards.co.uk
The Explora Blog is the world’s premier online journal for field sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, conservationists and admirers of bespoke gunmaking, fine leather goods and timeless safari clothes. Each month Westley Richards publishes up to 8 blog posts on a range of topics with an avid readership totalling 500,000+ page views per year.
Blog post topics include: Finished custom rifles and bespoke guns leaving the Westley Richards factory; examples of heritage firearms with unique designs and celebrated owners like James Sutherland and Frederick Courteney Selous; the latest from the company pre-owned guns and rifles collection; interviews with the makers from the gun and leather factory; new season safari wear and country clothing; recent additions to our luxury travel bags and sporting leather goodsrange; time well spent out in the field; latest news in the sporting world; and key international conservation stories.
