Antique Muzzle Loading shotgun

1544island · 11-18-2007, 06:07 PM

Hi Gentlemen: Is this the correct forum to ask for info about Anitque muzzle loading shotguns. I just found on "under the eaves" which I had forgotten I bought 40 yrs ago. It is a percussion, exposed hammer, double trigger, one piece stock and forend. Right side plate is marked in block caps RICHARDS. Unfortunately, I suspect that this may be English. There is a small amount of floral pattern engraving on sideplates and hammers. This gun is a bar or front loading action. Gun has straight stock with very long (6") tang. Stock is checkered but only about 20% remains. Bottom of barrel has many proof marks and each barrel is marked 13 which I assume is equivalant to todays gague. If anyone can talk to me about this gun or direct me to the correct people it would be appreciated Jim

billy · 11-18-2007, 06:18 PM

i found this.

shotguns made by Westley Richards are high quality and have good value. However, they always spelled out "Westley" in their brand marking. A number of other firms used similar sounding names such as "Richards" and "W. Richards" on low grade Belgian made shotguns. There’s a good possibility that they wanted to take advantage of the well known Westley Richards name, fooling unwary buyers. Look for small "ELG" proof marks -- if you find them you probably have one of the "wanna-be" copies. If so, I find that they usually retail in the $150 to $250 range, assuming simple field grade & average condition. A rough one might bring less - an ornate one in excellent condition more.

Mooseman684 · 11-18-2007, 06:24 PM

Richards could be by a couple of different Manufacturers, one was John Richards from London and Birmingham, England from 1745-1810. There was also W.Richards, from Belgium Circa 1900...I suggest a call to a Museum that deals in Firearms and speak to the Curater, or a Professional Antique Firearms Appraiser... Antique Muzzle loader Shotguns are in a class by themselves and Foreign Made ones require an Expert to evaluate and appraise.
Rich

chrish · 12-07-2007, 11:53 AM

take alook at the top one in this search at dixie gun works
Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies.

11-18-2007, 06:07 PM	#1
1544island Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1	Antique Muzzle Loading shotgun Hi Gentlemen: Is this the correct forum to ask for info about Anitque muzzle loading shotguns. I just found on "under the eaves" which I had forgotten I bought 40 yrs ago. It is a percussion, exposed hammer, double trigger, one piece stock and forend. Right side plate is marked in block caps RICHARDS. Unfortunately, I suspect that this may be English. There is a small amount of floral pattern engraving on sideplates and hammers. This gun is a bar or front loading action. Gun has straight stock with very long (6") tang. Stock is checkered but only about 20% remains. Bottom of barrel has many proof marks and each barrel is marked 13 which I assume is equivalant to todays gague. If anyone can talk to me about this gun or direct me to the correct people it would be appreciated Jim

11-18-2007, 06:18 PM	#2
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,250 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	i found this. shotguns made by Westley Richards are high quality and have good value. However, they always spelled out "Westley" in their brand marking. A number of other firms used similar sounding names such as "Richards" and "W. Richards" on low grade Belgian made shotguns. There’s a good possibility that they wanted to take advantage of the well known Westley Richards name, fooling unwary buyers. Look for small "ELG" proof marks -- if you find them you probably have one of the "wanna-be" copies. If so, I find that they usually retail in the $150 to $250 range, assuming simple field grade & average condition. A rough one might bring less - an ornate one in excellent condition more. __________________

11-18-2007, 06:24 PM	#3
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,702 Images: 2	Richards could be by a couple of different Manufacturers, one was John Richards from London and Birmingham, England from 1745-1810. There was also W.Richards, from Belgium Circa 1900...I suggest a call to a Museum that deals in Firearms and speak to the Curater, or a Professional Antique Firearms Appraiser... Antique Muzzle loader Shotguns are in a class by themselves and Foreign Made ones require an Expert to evaluate and appraise. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

12-07-2007, 11:53 AM	#4
chrish Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: IOWA Posts: 373	take alook at the top one in this search at dixie gun works Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies.