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Westley Richards & Co. .500 3” NE Best Quality Droplock Double Rifle completed in 2008, as new in the Maker’s O&L case and coming to market for the first time.  

Based on Westley’s original design with the firm’s distinctive Snap Lever and Doll’s Head extension, two triggers and manual safety, disk-set strikers and, of course, Westley’s pivotal design, the Hand Detachable Locks, or “droplocks”, patented in 1897. 

The action, triggers, grip cap, and forend iron are color hardened and the furniture and cover plate are black. Engraved in the traditional Best Quality motif with the House’s traditional scroll on the action body with the Maker’s name in flowing banners and a game scene on the cover plate of an animal appropriately hunted with such a rifle. This one features a vignette of a bull Cape buffalo. The rifle has supporting scroll on the other metal parts. The trap door on the grip cap is carved into a stylized seashell, which was a traditional engraving theme on W.R.&Co. guns at the turn of the 20th Century. The word “SAFE” is inlaid in gold. Engraving was done by John F. Barratt and signed and dated “2007” on the trigger plate.  

The rifle has 24” chopper lump barrels with Westley Richards’ ejectors, “Doll’s Head” rib extension, and Westley’s pattern quarter rib with 1 Standing Express sight, inlaid with a Gold Triangle and engraved “50 YDS”. The foresight is Westley’s patented combination brass bead/flip-up night sight and rear folding sight protector. The Maker’s name is engraved in the middle of the top rib with traditional small scroll engraving along the quarter rib. The forward stud for the sling is attached to the bottom of the barrels.  

The highly figured walnut stock was expertly laid out for strength and beauty with a full pistol grip and traditional RH beaded cheekpiece and a 14 5/8” LOP over a leather covered pad. The rear sling stud and stock oval are on the toe line, the stock oval engraved with the initials of the original owner.  

The rifle is complete in its Maker’s O&L case with canvas cover and cased Extra Pair of Locks. 

The rifle is on a dedicated frame size and weighs 10 lbs. 13 oz and remains in excellent, as new condition.  

The rare Westley Richards Droplock Double Rifle in .500 3” NE that is available for immediate delivery.  

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