VERY RARE Antique Westley Richards DEELEY & EDGE 1881 Patent MILITARY Rifle .303 Caliber Falling Block Rifle

Product Description

VERY RARE Antique Westley Richards DEELEY & EDGE 1881 Patent MILITARY Rifle

.303 Caliber Falling Block Rifle

Here we present an antique Westley Richards Deeley & Edge Patent Military Type Rifle, made in Birmingham, England, circa 1880. William Westley Richards established his prestigious company in 1812, at 22 years of age, at 82 High Street in Birmingham. His high-end London shop was established in 1815 at 170 New Bond Street. William’s son, Westley Richards, joined his father in business at the age of 26 and continued to grow the business with his own ideas and patents. It was he who was responsible for the design of the Monkey Tail Carbine in 1858.

This carbine is very similar in stature and aesthetic to the Monkey Tail of the 1860s, though of course lacking the “monkey tail” namesake breech block. This is the new and improved falling-block action which opens (and cocks) by depressing the loading lever on the right side of the action. This one is chambered for the Westley Richards .303 cartridge. These rifles and carbines were made with big-game hunting in mind (some very classy and made for Africa), and some made for military use, as is this one. These were not produced in large quantities and are rare, especially in the United States.

John Deeley was the managing director of Westley Richards & Co. from 1872-1899 but had worked for the firm since 1860. He ran the business side but was also a self-trained designer who took out this patent with James S. Edge, Westley Richards’ foreman. The Westley Richards triangle marking is over the chamber. Commercial Birmingham proofs are located on the left side of the barrel, along with the serial number “9500”.

The overall condition is near fine. Original blue finish/patina. The action is excellent. The bore is in very good condition: reflective with sharp rifling. The stock is solid. The rear sling swivel is no longer articulates but the front does. A very nice example of a rather rare English rifle from a famous maker!

Here is a rare example of the Westley Richards Deeley & Edge Patent Carbine!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 33 inches.

Caliber: .303 Westley Richards

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$3585
#215428