A caution about dating by serial number.
Twenty years ago, I sought serial number information from Westley Richards. The number was 4477. I got a nice letter from them indicating they had located three no.4477s in their ledgers. All were shotguns. My 4477 was a "Monkey-tail" rifle (sporting model). The lock plate is dated "1874." Photos are in Winfer's book "British Single Shot Rifles - Volume 4. "
I have extensive experience with serial numbers for both Rigby and William Powell & Son arms. Until you locate the day book entry for the sale, you can't be sure of when a particular item was sold. Additionally, there can be a 40 year gap or more between manufacture and sale.
