Ken,

Thank you. I think calling Westley Richards directly is an excellent suggestion. Before paying $270 for the full history letter, I will contact them and ask whether they can at least confirm some basic information for serial number 16143 — particularly the approximate production date, original configuration/grade and, if possible, whether the present barrel configuration corresponds with their records.

If they are willing to provide even a few basic details by telephone, that could help resolve some of the contradictions we are seeing.

Thank you again,
Thomas