W. Richards London shotgun

Retsiemrub · Apr 30, 2022

Hello all,
I just won a shotgun at auction with the intention of it being a wall hanger. In taking it apart to oil it I’ve noticed some odds. First, the rib just says W Richards London, with no mention of laminated steel. Then on the bottom of the barrel there are two sets of initials. I have attached any and all markings I could find. I am curious to learn a little more of the history of this gun before hanging it

Drew Hause · Apr 30, 2022

The Birmingham proof marks date to 1887-1896, and the barrels are Twist
W. Richards marked guns made by J.P. Clabrough were sold in the U.S. The 1886 catalog from John P. Moore’s Sons, New York listed “Clabrough’s Make” W. Richards.
I'm no help with the 'JR'

ellenbr · Apr 30, 2022

You know, I have strong suspicions that this example was shipped straight away devoid of any proof marks from the Liège proof facility to the Birmingham proof facility as there was a provision in the Belgian proof law that allowed it. Could you please us with a better image of of the forend hanger to reveal all the characters?

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Drew Hause · Apr 30, 2022

Good eye brother.
The Riga family were Damascus barrel makers in Liege, and J.G. Riga imported barrels into the U.S. starting about 1886; supplying Forehand & Wadsworth, Colt, Bacon Arms, and C.S. Shattuck.

castnblast2 · May 1, 2022

Not to be confused with Westley Richards.

ellenbr · May 1, 2022

Too, there is a w. Richards Liverpool, established in say 1780, but I really don't think it to be theirs either.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

ellenbr · May 1, 2022

I can't really tell with the 3rd character might be on the left string?

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

ellenbr · May 1, 2022

Another attempt....

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

W. Richards London shotgun

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