Does anyone know the name of this Westley Richards model?
 

Offered to me from a trusted source, it was simply referred to as a “BLE”, which I take to mean “box lock ejector “. 2 barrel set. 28” choked 1/2 & 3/4 (mod, improved mod?) and 26” barrel choked 1/4 & 1/2 (improved cylinder and modified?). All s/n’s match. Both barrels chambered for 2 3/4 and “nitro”proofed. And, a rather comfortable beaver tail fore end.

First venture into British makers. Any info you can provide would be welcomed.

Thank you!

Another view

I can’t tell if that is a B to the right of the E with the crossed swords. The other proof marks indicate a 1925 to 1954 proof date.

You really need to have someone (that knows how to) measure the bores to make sure the gun is still in proof. A gun is not required to be in proof to be sold in the US.

Ken

Thank you Ken. That is indeed a “B” on the right side of the crossed swords and is present on both barrel sets.

Pouring over the Westley Richards website it appears that guns with a “T” prefix to the serial numbers (as mine is) indicate a gun supplied by, or manufactured by Westley Richards, for resale by other firms. Abercrombie and Fitch, for instance. They also suggest it may be partly or wholly manufactured by the Birmingham gun trade. So not a particular “authentic” London gun. Which makes sense, now regarding the purchase price.

The EB marks the gun as proofed in 1954. WR made all of their guns in Birmingham and had a London shop at 178 New Bond Street, London and then moved to 23 Conduit Street around 1919. The Conduit Street shop closed around 1956.

Twelve gauge boxlocks are inexpensive right now. It looks like a nicely finished gun.

Ken

John,

In case you didn’t see this WR Explora blog entry https://www.westleyrichards.com/blog...FxsFi7BCz1Hbjd.

Ken

Interesting read, Ken. Thanks for sharing that. Enjoyed the albums on your homepage, too. Nice guns and dogs!

I really like how this Birmingham box lock is configured.

While not considered "London Best", they are (in my opinion) every bit as strong and reliable as their side lock cousins. The Spanish box locks pretty much destroyed the English box lock production.

Can you post a side picture of the BTFE?


Enjoy!

Thank you. I took it to the trap range today along with my Ithaca 4e. I let another guy shoot a round with each. It performed admirably. Lol, each better in another’s hands. 75 rounds through each gun today. Took the 28” barrel set for the WR. I like it. It’s a keeper.

So a….pardon my ignorance.. BTFE? Beaver tail fore end? Can do. Happy to oblige. I’ll do so when I get back home.

not a splinter. But still slender. Yet it fills the hand nicely.