Here’s one of the all-time classic dangerous-game safari rifles. It’s coming up at Poulin Auctions Spring 2019 sale, which starts this Friday, 3/30.
Westley Richards Droplocks (aka “hand detachable locks”) are one of the most famous side-by-side actions ever created, and the .470 Nitro Express cartridge is also highly regarded. If you’re thinking of heading to Africa on safari, this gun would be ideal for everything from Cape Buffalo to Elephants. Westley Richards still makes them today. The double rifles have a starting price of around $100,000+.
LOT 1047, WESTLEY RICHARDS DROPLOCK DOUBLE RIFLE: Cal. 470 Nitro. S# 1431. Dovetail lump 26″ bbls. w/ single standing leaf express sight in matted quarter rib. pedestal front sight topped w/ blade including bright bead & flip up high visibility sight. Sling swivel attached to bottom rib. SST. Ejectors. Polished & jeweled hand detachable locks underneath hinged floorplate. Lock up is via dbl. under lugs w/ doll’s head top fastener. Westley Richards camming top lever. Stalking safety w/ gold “SAFE” & gold “BOLTED”. Action is decorated w/ 70% pattern of bold scroll. Full length bottom tang. Capped checkered walnut pistol grip stock w/ drop points checkered side panels, sling swivel & English leather covered pad. Grip cap is engraved to match & features trapdoor storage. Wide splinter forend w/ engraved pull lever style latch. Consignor states that rifle was recently checked for regulation by maker & that it is very accurate w/ Federal ammunition. LOP: 14″. Weight: 12 lbs. CONDITION: bbls. & furniture retain better than 90% freshened blue. Coin finished action exhibits crisp engraving. Hand detachable locks still display brilliant jeweling. Grip cap blue is beginning to show a plum tone. Wood shows a few scattered compression marks w/ none protruding through the finish. Checkering remains crisp. Initial oval is engraved w/ “LCT”. Leather covered pad retains strong black color. Action is tight & on face. Ejectors are strong. Bright bores w/ crisp rifling. ESTIMATE: $17,500-22,500.
