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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60 |
Can anyone shed light on a gun maker named W. Richards? I doubt this is Wesley Richards.
I'm considering the purchase of a very nice 20ga hammer gun by this maker but would like some history if possible. Also the barrel length is suspect to me as it's 26 inches. I thought most English gun esp a small bore would have longer barrels. The barrels are damascuss and the action is fully engraved.
Any information is appreciated
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021 |
He didn't sign his guns W. Richards but a Belgium company did. Take the barrels off and check the proof marks more than likely there is an ELG stanp there. If its nice and the price is right it may be a buy but it ain't a Westley Richards.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,457 Likes: 336
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,457 Likes: 336 |
Some wonderful guns were made by W. Richards of Liverpool.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021 |
Daryl you are right sir, I completely forgot about the W. Richards in Liverpool.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,393
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,393 |
Can you post pics of the gun and barrel flats?
Barrel length seems a bit short.
Mikey
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,522
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,522 |
You are right of course about Richards of Liverpool. The odds are greatly against it being one of his though. As was said above, check the proof marks to see what country of origin. As to the 26in barrel- check the muzzle and choking to form a better opinion regarding whether they may have been cut at some point. Are the steel wedges present between the barrels at the muzzle or is it all lead or solder - stick a pin in it if you can get away with it. (I always forget the name of those little wedges.)
Are the barrels marked laminated steel- pretty common on the cheapo Belgium ones.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60 |
The gun is on its way for me to look at. I was sent pictures but don't know how to transpose them. The watertable is marked Liverpool. I will try the pin in the keels to see if its lead ot steel, that is a good idea.
This is in the Makers case with trade label W. Richards gun and Rifle Maker 27 Old Hall St Liverpool. The gun has been nitro proofed and is so marked.
Last edited by Rich A; 01/01/11 01:37 PM. Reason: added input
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
I once looked up William Richards somewhere on the internet. Some specs for the markings were given & it was stated positively if a gun didn't carry those markings, they didn't build it. Unfortunately I didn't write them down or save them. I was looking up an old W Richards which I have with Birmingham proofs. It didn't meet their criterior so can only surmise that all W Richards guns bearing Birmingham proof didn't originate in the Liverpool plant. Mine is not stamped Liverpool any where, the fact yours is, is a good sign but don't know positively that it is all conclusive. When it arrives post back all its markings.
Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 60 |
I can forward the pictures that were e-mailed to me. The barrel flats and water table markings are there. I have no way to post pictures at this time. If you don't mind sending your e-mail address to me at rlanderson410@msn.com I would appreciate your input.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,417
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,417 |
There is quite a bit of information on William Henry Richards, est. 1780 in Liverpool in Nigel Brown's "BRITISH GUNMAKERS" VOL II Pp. 317 right up to the year 2000.
Best Regards, George
To see my guns go to www.mylandco.com Select "SPORTING GUNS " My E-Mail palmettotreasure@aol.com
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