Magnificent Factory John Barratt Signed and Master Game Scene Engraved Westley Richards Hand Detachable Droplock Dangerous Game Double Rifle in .470 Nitro Express with Ca

An exceptional modern Westley Richards bespoke double rifle, this .470 Nitro Express “droplock” represents the pinnacle of English dangerous-game rifle making—equal parts functional safari arm, hand-built artwork, and highly desirable collector-grade investment. Completed in 2008 during the respected Simon Clode era, it offers immediate ownership of a rifle from a maker known to complete only about 20–25 guns and rifles per year, with bespoke double-rifle waits often exceeding four years.

• Built by Westley Richards, one of England’s elite gunmakers with more than 200 years of storied history
• Completed in 2008 during the Simon Clode era, a period highly regarded by collectors of modern Westley Richards firearms
• Chambered in the powerful .470 Nitro Express, one of the classic dangerous-game cartridges
• Reported that Westley Richards is not currently taking on orders, making this an outstanding opportunity to acquire a bespoke double rifle without the usual multi-year wait
• Westley Richards production is extremely limited, with only approximately 20–25 guns and rifles completed per year
• Bespoke double rifles such as this often involve wait times exceeding four years
• Barrel and sight details:
  • Black steel barrels
  • Brass-beaded blade front sight
  • Flip-up moon sight for low-light visibility
  • Front sight mounted on an engraved island base
  • Fitted with Westley Richards’ patent folding front sight protector
  • Front sight protector engraved in the same scroll pattern as the rifle
  • Two-leaf rear sight:
    • One folding leaf
    • One standing leaf
  • Rear sight features a gold-inlaid arrow centerline
  • Regulated for 50 and 100 yards
  • Rear sight mounted on a stippled Westley patent rear quarter rib
  • Front sling swivel mounted on the bottom rib
  • Chambers fitted with automatic ejectors
• Barrel markings and proof marks:
  • Right barrel marked “470 NITRO EXPRESS”
  • Left barrel marked “REGULATED FOR 500 GRAIN BULLET”
  • Under rib shows an import mark
  • 2007-dated Birmingham proof marks stamped on the flats
• Engraving and barrel embellishment:
  • Highly attractive wedges of scroll engraving at either breech
  • Engraved band at the breech area
  • Matching scroll flourish on the model “C” doll’s head rib extension
  • Barrels are beautifully fitted to the vibrantly casehardened action body
• Action and lockwork:
  • Features Westley Richards’ famous hand-detachable “droplock” design
  • Droplock system is one of the firm’s most admired and collectible mechanical achievements
  • Vibrantly casehardened action body
  • Pair of bushed firing pins
  • Dual casehardened triggers
  • Engraved beetle-back manual safety
  • Gold-inlaid “SAFE” safety indicator
• Action engraving:
  • Stunning traditional acanthus scrollwork covers nearly the entire action surface
  • Scrollwork surrounds “WESTLEY RICHARDS” banners on both sides of the action
  • Engraving flows onto the top lever, trigger guard, and both tangs
  • Bottom tang extends to the grip cap and bears the serial number
  • Black cover plate adorned with a masterfully cut, photo-realistic cameo of a bull elephant
  • Bull elephant cameo faces the observer and is surrounded by additional scroll engraving
  • Engraving signed on the trigger plate by famed Westley Richards in-house engraver John Barratt
  • Rifle dated “08” by John Barratt
• Forend and stock:
  • Magnificently well-figured wood
  • Mullered-bordered multi-point checkered splinter forend
  • Engraved casehardened forend iron
  • Deeley latch release
  • Horn forend tip
  • Pistol grip stock
  • Teardrop-carved drop points
  • Casehardened and engraved trapdoor grip cap
  • Traditional shadowline cheekpiece
  • Rear sling swivel
  • Gold stock oval engraved “D/F/S”
  • Black leather-covered recoil pad
• Included maker’s case and accessories:
  • Highly attractive Westley Richards maker’s oak and leather flat case
  • Canvas case cover marked with the same initials, caliber, and serial number
  • Green baize-lined case interior
  • Mike Marsh horn-handled disk key
  • Leather pouch
  • Spare strikers
  • Spare fore sight
  • Ebony two-piece cleaning rod
  • Nickel oil pot
  • Pair of extra locks:
    • Numbered to the gun
    • Marked “EXTRA LOCK”
    • Housed in a rigid leather carrying pouch
• Measurements:
  • Length of pull: 15 5/8 inches
  • Weight: 10 lbs. 12 oz.

With its .470 Nitro Express chambering, Westley Richards hand-detachable droplock action, John Barratt-signed engraving, elephant cameo cover plate, extra numbered locks, and full maker’s oak-and-leather case, this rifle is a superb collector-grade dangerous-game double from one of the world’s most prestigious gunmakers.