Original British Double Barrel 12 gauge Side Lever Hammer Shotgun by W. Richards of London – Circa 1870 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This just came out of the attic after a hundred years of storage, together with a couple of hundred other guns. This lovely double hammer shotgun was made by the company that later became Westley Richards, but was started in Birmingham by WILLIAM RICHARDS in 1812. This was the name of their outlet at 170 BOND STREET, LONDON until 1872 when the London Manager William Bishop, known as the “Bishop of Bond Street” died.

This shotgun with two barrels dates from the end of William Richards Bond Street premises. The locks are both marked W. RICHARDS and the barrel rib between the barrels is also marked:

W. RICHARDS LONDON FINE LAMINATED STEEL

Looking at the barrels confirms that these are indeed spiral laminated steel, which can be seen by removing the fore stock and takin the barrels off. This also reveals serial number 1315 on all parts of the shotgun, as well as the correct Birmingham proof marks for a black powder shotgun. One of the two “hammers” is a later replacement, but would work which is all that was asked of it. The two part wood stock is walnut and the 12 bore barrels measure 32″.

Coming from nearly one hundred years in storage, ready to fully restore or display as is!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber: 12 gauge
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Shotgun Shells
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Side Action Locks
Feed System: Top Break

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.