Belgium W. R. Richards - My Research!

[S&WOwner]

I figured I would share my finding with everyone. I have read many threads on the W. Richards and tried to combine everything related to my puppy into one finding. It may help other's and I hope to learn more about my new puppy.

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1st - I know it is NOT a Westley Richards.
2nd - I know it is worthless as a collectors item.
3rd - I only purchased it as a "Wall Hanger."
4th - I created a small website to display my findings.

Here is my W. Richards WebSite: Research: W. Richards Double Barrel (Breech-Loading) Shotgun

I would appreciate any information that may add to its history.

Thanks!

 

[jaguarxk120]

With all of your findings it adds to the gun.

It is too bad you can not trace ownership backward as to who owned it and for how long.
Would be nice to know if it was used as a sporting gun or a behind the door farmers do-all game getter.

Makes one wonder what will happen to all of the less expensive pump guns made today? Since all of these old doubles were imported by the ton in 1900.

A very nice find, even nicer that you followed up with some history.

 

[Ron James]

Thanks for the posting on your old Belgium double, I think

 

[S&WOwner]

With all of your findings it adds to the gun. It is too bad you can not trace ownership backward as to who owned it and for how long. Would be nice to know if it was used as a sporting gun or a behind the door farmers do-all game getter. Makes one wonder what will happen to all of the less expensive pump guns made today? Since all of these old doubles were imported by the ton in 1900. A very nice find, even nicer that you followed up with some history.

I agree - it does add to the guns personal value. Regardless of whether it is a "knock off" - it was used "in-the-day" and that to me is neat! If it was a Smith and Wesson - I could just request its history (when it was shipped). The bummer is I can't find any "serial number" so that pretty much takes care of knowing it true age. Thanks for your comments.

Thanks for the posting on your old Belgium double, I think

I hope my compilation of stuff helps the next person starting out on their research.

 

[jaguarxk120]

You gun does have a history and that is worth much more than the plastic stocked cheapies that are selling today.

 

[S&WOwner]

You gun does have a history and that is worth much more than the plastic stocked cheapies that are selling today.

Absolutely!

 

[Jim K]

A lot of excellent and interesting research on what is not really a very valuable gun. It is interesting that U.S. customs was enforcing the "Country of Origin" marking laws in 1891, when the law requiring the marking had only been passed in 1890. That basic law is still in effect, though the GCA '68 changed the requirement for marking imported guns.

Jim

 

[S&WOwner]

A lot of excellent and interesting research on what is not really a very valuable gun...

Thanks for the kind words. Hopefully, it will also help other's researching their "knockoff" Westley Richards.

It is interesting that U.S. customs was enforcing the "Country of Origin" marking laws in 1891, when the law requiring the marking had only been passed in 1890...

Sure didn't waste anytime rolling up to speed.

Again, thanks for the comments Jim.

 

[Ron James]

If you google , Damascus Barrels- Forge Welded Barrels Research ,you will find over a thousand makers marks plus all the proof marks and most of the inspectors marks. Handy site.

 

[S&WOwner]

If you google , Damascus Barrels- Forge Welded Barrels Research ,you will find over a thousand makers marks plus all the proof marks and most of the inspectors marks. Handy site.

Thanks for the advice!