Guns International #: 101568116
Seller's Inventory #: 201282
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Guns International #: 101568116
Category - Westley Richards Rifles
- Antique Rifles - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC Member Since: 11/3/16
State:
Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
Int'l Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Active Listings: 1583
Total Listings: 30765
Seller Type:FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
SCARCE “MONKEY TAIL” Carbine by WESTLEY RICHARDS British Percussion Antique Breech Loading Favorite of Boers during War, 1867 Date
Description: SCARCE “MONKEY TAIL” Carbine by WESTLEY RICHARDS British Percussion Antique Breech Loading Favorite of Boers during War, 1867 Date Here we present an antique Westley Richards Monkey Tail Breech-Loading Percussion Carbine, made in 1867 in Birmingham, England. Westley Richards & Co. still make world class firearms to this day, over 200 years. William Westley Richards established his prestigious company in 1812, only yet 22 years of age, at 82 High Street in Birmingham. He established his high end London shop 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 prosper the business with his own ideas and patents. It was he who was responsible for the design of the aforementioned Monkey Tail Carbine in 1858. The source of its being called a “Monkey Tail” is the shape of the small knob on the loading lever. The carbine was an early pioneer in the use of polygonal rifling and utilized an ingenious caplock, breech-loading system. The rifling is what the “Whitworth’s Patent” marking on the barrel refers to, though it seems at this time the marking was a friendly attribution to Joseph Whitworth and not required by law. Both Richards and Whitworth appear to have worked simultaneously, if not somewhat together, on improving rifling technology. The rifling in these guns is octagonal, whereas Whitworth’s was hexagonal. Nevertheless, Richards seems to have wanted to give Whitworth the credit. As for the breech-loading system, the top lever hinges up, allowing the shooter to load the cartridge, just like some other designs of the time. However, upon closing the lever, the brass piston inside was mobile and when a cartridge was ignited, the gas pressure would push the piston back, locking the breech closed while chamber pressure was high. Richards’s carbines and rifles were met with great interest from the British military, which did lead to extensive testing and even a sizeable contract, but it was not adopted as a primary arm. Nevertheless, about 27,000 were issued in the British Army and about 4,000 to volunteer and colonial forces. British ally, Portugal, also ordered 11,000, and Westley Richards & Co. sold many (about 21,000) to South Africa in the 1870s and 80s, prior to complete deterioration in relations between the Boers and Britain. These were the guns that Boer children grew up shooting and it has been said that the proof test of marksmanship was hitting a chicken’s egg at 100 yards with a Monkey Tail. The carbine’s short overall length made it extremely handy on horseback or foot, and in thick vegetation. Though considered quite obsolete at the time of the Boer War in 1881, this is how many of the Boer fighters were armed when they defeated the British and gained their independence. At Majuba, 500 Boers, mostly armed with the Richards, defeated 647 British soldiers, who were armed with the more modern Martini Henry rifle. In fact, more modern metallic cartridges could have proved a hindrance to them as ammunition availability was scarce. The old Monkey Tail was actually advantageous, since it used paper cartridges. Powder, paper, ball and primers were easily obtained in remote Africa and the ‘tail could be muzzle loaded if paper was not handy. “1867 and “WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co.” is engraved on the lock and breech. “WHITWORTH PATENT” can be read a top the barrel. The overall condition is very good. The action is strong. The bore is bright in good shape. All markings are clear. There is a very small, hairline split at the front of the comb that does not move. The various proofs on the left of the barrel are sharp. A wonderful example of a scarce British carbine! Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. Barrel is 20 inches in length. Caliber: .451 Overall condition as seen in photos. Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail! Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY. ancestryguns $3645 #201282 SOLD Antique: Yes |
Guns International #: 101568116
Seller's Inventory #: 201282
Guns International #: 101568116
Seller's Inventory #: 201282