Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Wesley Richards shotgun ID needed

Hi,I just picked up a shotgun and was wondering if any of you people could give me some info on it.Its a very old Wesley Richards 12 ga side by side,30 " barrels.It has exposed hammers,and a rounded(english style?)pistol grip buttstock.On top of the barrels is stamped"belgium laminated steel" The serial #77x7.On the right side plate is stamped "machine made".The left side plate is stamped "wm.parkhurst".Thanks,Tom<P>------------------<BR>Too Many Guns-Still Not Enough

Levergunz, I found only a one page description of Wesley Richards Firearms in the Blue Book of Gun Values. There were about about 18 gun makers making guns under the name or variant of W. Richards. It states that a true Wesley Richards never abbreviates the first name, and the London address can usually be found on the Rib Panel. It say's there was a Belgian manufacturer that imported shotguns to the U.S. using W. Richards, and these are mistaken for the Wesley Richards. The Belgian guns usually go for $100-$400. But the true Wesley Richards is strictly a custom made gun, only 25-30 annually and value can go anywhere from $2,000-$27,000.<P>You probably ought to get that thing appraised.<P>Phil

Thanks Greyghost.I probably have a Belgium Variant model,as the first name was abbreviated to W.Richards. and while the quality is decent,it certainly isn't a high grade item.I still didn't go wrong as I got it for $25.Great wallhanger.~~~~~Tom<P>------------------<BR>Too Many Guns-Still Not Enough

Westly Richards are still going in the UK.<BR>I'd be happy to dig up a contact number or e-mail if you wish to dig further.