Vintage British Doubles

[CJNJ]

 

[CJNJ]

1888-1890s Westley Richards. My newest English double. I tell myself I have to stop...

 

[CJNJ]

I am debating what to do about the stock extension. On the one hand, I could have it removed and replaced with a leather covered pad. On the other, it seems well done and is comfortable to shoulder as it is. I see a number of older guns which have either been cut down and then extended, or simply extended by a taller owner. What are your opinions?

 

[Russ16]

I am debating what to do about the stock extension. On the one hand, I could have it removed and replaced with a leather covered pad. On the other, it seems well done and is comfortable to shoulder as it is. I see a number of older guns which have either been cut down and then extended, or simply extended by a taller owner. What are your opinions?

If it fits shoot it.

 

[CJNJ]

View attachment 757672

Wrote to Westley Richards and learned this gun was No. 1 of a matched pair made for Sir John Heathcoat Amory, Baronet in 1888. He also ordered a third shotgun and a double rifle the same date. This thing handles and shoots beautifully and knowing some of its history is fun.

 

[PCC600]

Wrote to Westley Richards and learned this gun was No. 1 of a matched pair made for Sir John Heathcoat Amory, Baronet in 1888. He also ordered a third shotgun and a double rifle the same date. This thing handles and shoots beautifully and knowing some of its history is fun.

I think it is always worth spending a few $ and asking the maker to provide a gun history . Often they can advise the various owners over the years . I bought an Purdey double rifle some time back . Purdey told me who it was made for ( a very important person ) and subsequent owners . My name is now registered on their ledgers ! Fyi I googled Sir John Amory - an important guy in his time .

 

[coreydb]

You're not the only one with this bug; ain't it great? I have a Rigby and a Thomas Wild from the late 19th century I'm in the process of restoring. There were a lot of 19th century boutique gunmakers across the UK who made very good rifles and shotguns. Tragically, many of them didn't last long due to changing and volatile times. If you intend to shoot your rifle, I recommend you send it to someplace that can look it over, correct whatever may be worn or broken, and determine if it is good to shoot safely.