serial #1128, 12 ga., 29'' barrels with partially bright about good bores showing scattered patches of minor pitting and light oxidation. The barrels are toning to a plum-brown patina, fading more toward gray toward the muzzles with scattered small areas of fine pitting, particularly around the breeches, spots of old light oxidation, and some scattered tiny dings and handling marks to be expected of a shotgun likely manufactured in the 1830s. The rib shows the remnants of its original damascus pattern while the barrels do not. The rib has been cleaned at the makers mark so that a script ''Westley Richards'' is clearly visible and the breech features platinum blowout plugs and decorative platinum parallel lines running perpendicular to the barrels. The breeches and barrels are serialized to the frame and the underside of the barrels are marked with period Birmingham black powder proofs. The lockplates and hammers have aged to a dull pewtery case-hardened patina with each lockplate engraved with ''Westley Richards'' in the center, surrounded by beautiful foliage along with a perching bird toward the rear, while the spurs and heads of the hammers are engraved to resemble fish and the sides of the hammers are adorned with more foliate engraving. The breech tang and triggerguard with decorative pineapple finial extension appear a pewtery case-hardened patina with a few small spots of old oxidation and a few tiny dings in the edges of the cap deflectors, again with both parts embellished with engraved foliage, birds and geometric bordering. The checkered British walnut straight grip stock rates perhaps good with a period added finish, softened checkering, a repaired crack between each lockplate and the tang along with a repaired arcing crack in the wrist between the rear of the tang and the left lockplate. There is a repaired chip at the heel, a crack near the toe and a few various chips, dings and handling marks from the years. The stock features an unengraved German silver monogram plate on the top of the wrist and a pineapple finial tailpipe at the tip of the forend. The shotgun is equipped with double triggers and dual thimbles, the hammers are in-time and the action is robust and crisp. Included with the shotgun is wooden brass-tipped ramrod that is likely an older replacement. Produced by a storied maker, this still attractive antique shotgun will make a great conversation piece. (23A9738-179) {ANTIQUE} [Kris Congdon Collection] (400/600)
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