Who Invented This?

[Kensal Rise]

Mark:
I'm sure the arrangement is for central-fire cartridges, but the "flat" nature of the firing pins is a bit odd. Probably due to some internal need of the locks. I vaguely recall seeing these before, but can't remember where...

Not much help, I know.

[Autumn Daze]

Who ever did the fitting up did nice work however.

[Roundsworth]

Here is another view of the gun. There are no maker's markings on the barrels or rib. The Birmingham proof marks are post 1855. In the Winter 2006 DGJ, there are photos of an early WR with this system, but the firing pins are more 'conventional'.

[Bill Murphy]

No maker's marks on the gun at all? My big eight gauge Westley is an 1872 gun and has the oblong firing pins. I have never decided whether it is a pin fire to center fire conversion. If it is a conversion, I can't tell by any lack of workmanship. It is a mint gun and shows no sign of out of factory work. My gun fires conventional Winchester 209 primers just fine and I don't think it was made for anything other than a center fire primer, nor do I think yours was made for anything other than a center fire primer. What is your serial number? Mine is 4371 as I recall. Check the WR website for date of manufacture info. A letter may give you more information.

[Roundsworth]

The lock plates and top lever are marked Westley Richards. The top rib and extension are not marked. The serial number is on each barrel, along with various proof marks. The serial number is 4262, which dates between 1839 and 1848. This gun has gone through some changes!

[Bill Murphy]

Sources other than the WR website will give you a more accurate idea of when your gun was made. No, sorry, I do not remember what those sources are.

[Roundsworth]

I just found more dates for Westley Richards. Serial number 4262 falls between 1839 and 1848, AND 1869 and 1875. I wonder if the later dates are correct.