Antique W. Richards Side-by-Side Hammer Shotgun — Wall Hanger / Parts — $150 OBO
Old side-by-side double with external hammers, back-action sidelocks, double triggers, and a top-lever opener. Both lockplates are marked W. Richards in script. Assembly number 23400. The top rib is marked STEEL followed by lettering I can't fully make out.
Please read before inquiring — this is not a Westley Richards. "W. Richards" was a trade name used on inexpensive hardware-store doubles made in Liège, Belgium, and also by Crescent Fire Arms, roughly 1880 to 1914. The name was chosen to resemble the British maker Westley Richards. It has no connection to that firm. I'm listing it accordingly.
Condition, disclosed fully:
Barrels have been shortened at some point in its life from the original length. Muzzles are cut square with no front bead.
Heavy pitting and surface scale, particularly at the breech.
Brass braze repair on one lockplate at the hammer pivot — amateur work, done long ago.
Wood is sound with wear commensurate with age; checkering at the wrist is worn but present.
Mechanical function not warranted. Bores not warranted.
Sold strictly as a wall hanger, decorator, or parts gun. DO NOT FIRE THIS GUN. Barrels of this era and grade are typically pattern-welded (laminated or twist) and are not safe with modern ammunition, and the pitting and prior repair make that worse. I make no representation that it is safe to shoot, and I'd ask that you not buy it intending to.
Sold as-is, no returns. Buyer is responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law. Cash, local pickup preferred. Reasonable offers considered.