Richard London 41

[muzzlecap]

If the ribs are coming off its English

Not all Belgian guns had brazed ribs. I've had several that were not brazed.

 

[Mertoi]

There was also another English made W Richards, I believe a cousin of Westley Richards. There should be more markings on the gun signifying Westley Richards if it is one of his. The lockplates should be marked on the outside with his name as well as the rib. There should be a serial number of the gun on the trigger guard, the bottom of the barrels and on the inside of the lockplates and the numbers should all match.

Lock plates just say richards london on it. And that's only barley legible. No numbers under the barrel, only number found was 41 on the bridle. Hint of old scroll work, but it's all faded away pretty well.

 

[Relic shooter]

[B]Mertoi[/B] you've done an admirable job improving the appearance of this shotgun ​

I've primarily shot original muzzleloading firearms over the past 60+ years because I had the background to determine if they were safe to shoot , worthy of restoration or just wall hangers.
Fortunately original shotguns that are in solid mechanical condition can still be purchased reasonably for well under $1,000.
Due to the attractive restoration work you've done I'm sure someone would be happy to pay you enough for this shotgun to display so you will have enough to purchase a solid shooter.

Judging by the pictures you've shown I personally would leave this shotgun as a nice wall hanger & find another original that is in much better mechanical condition & just needs a good cleaning. The nipples always need replaced for safety reasons.
Relic shooter

 

[Centurion]

Just wondering if those locks might do well with a short period in the electrolytic rust removal tank… I’ve had some really good results with it on industrial-grade rust.

don

 

[Feltwad]

Enclosed is original sxs percussion by Westley Richards in 12 bore with its original oak case
Feltwad

 

[Mertoi]

Enclosed is original sxs percussion by Westley Richards in 12 bore with its original oak case
FeltwadView attachment 221271

That's gorgeous!

 

[Mertoi]

[B]Mertoi[/B] you've done an admirable job improving the appearance of this shotgun ​

I've primarily shot original muzzleloading firearms over the past 60+ years because I had the background to determine if they were safe to shoot , worthy of restoration or just wall hangers.
Fortunately original shotguns that are in solid mechanical condition can still be purchased reasonably for well under $1,000.
Due to the attractive restoration work you've done I'm sure someone would be happy to pay you enough for this shotgun to display so you will have enough to purchase a solid shooter.

Judging by the pictures you've shown I personally would leave this shotgun as a nice wall hanger & find another original that is in much better mechanical condition & just needs a good cleaning. The nipples always need replaced for safety reasons.
Relic

[B]Mertoi[/B] you've done an admirable job improving the appearance of this shotgun ​

I've primarily shot original muzzleloading firearms over the past 60+ years because I had the background to determine if they were safe to shoot , worthy of restoration or just wall hangers.
Fortunately original shotguns that are in solid mechanical condition can still be purchased reasonably for well under $1,000.
Due to the attractive restoration work you've done I'm sure someone would be happy to pay you enough for this shotgun to display so you will have enough to purchase a solid shooter.

Judging by the pictures you've shown I personally would leave this shotgun as a nice wall hanger & find another original that is in much better mechanical condition & just needs a good cleaning. The nipples always need replaced for safety reasons.
Relic shooter

[B]Mertoi[/B] you've done an admirable job improving the appearance of this shotgun ​

I've primarily shot original muzzleloading firearms over the past 60+ years because I had the background to determine if they were safe to shoot , worthy of restoration or just wall hangers.
Fortunately original shotguns that are in solid mechanical condition can still be purchased reasonably for well under $1,000.
Due to the attractive restoration work you've done I'm sure someone would be happy to pay you enough for this shotgun to display so you will have enough to purchase a solid shooter.

Judging by the pictures you've shown I personally would leave this shotgun as a nice wall hanger & find another original that is in much better mechanical condition & just needs a good cleaning. The nipples always need replaced for safety reasons.
Relic shooter

If someone really wants it, I'd sell it for 1200, otherwise I'll be getting it going and using it as it was intended.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

If someone really wants it, I'd sell it for 1200, otherwise I'll be getting it going and using it as it was intended.

That's a $100 gun as it sits. Those barrels need sweated apart and an assessment made of their condition. If they aren't completely rotted out inside or out, they need cleaned up, resoldered back together and rebrowned. That's probably a $1500 job. If the rest of the gun is as bad as the barrels, I wouldn't fool with it.
I've been shooting old shotguns for 43 years, I wouldn't even consider messing with this one.

 

[beyu]

If someone really wants it, I'd sell it for 1200, otherwise I'll be getting it going and using it as it was intended.

I would respectfully suggest — you look at some photos of mangled hands and fingers before you try firing this gun.

Then ask yourself if you want to risk THAT.

 

[Mertoi]

I would respectfully suggest — you look at some photos of mangled hands and fingers before you try firing this gun.

Then ask yourself if you want to risk THAT.

Other than the end on one barrel, they are fine. Most likely from being dropped. Will proof fire it and if It needs to be trimmed down, not the first I've done. Have shot worse off things firing much more potent shots. 7.62x54r and 3.5" 12g slugs. Doing some squirrel and grouse hunting with mild loads shouldn't be a problem.

 

[beyu]

Other than the end on one barrel, they are fine. Most likely from being dropped. Will proof fire it and if It needs to be trimmed down, not the first I've done. Have shot worse off things firing much more potent shots. 7.62x54r and 3.5" 12g slugs. Doing some squirrel and grouse hunting with mild loads shouldn't be a problem.

I wish you success and — safety.

May I suggest laying it in a spare tire and pulling the trigger with a string at a safe distance?

 

[Mertoi]

I wish you success and — safety.

May I suggest laying it in a spare tire and pulling the trigger with a string at a safe distance?

Thank you, I like the tire idea. Was trying to ponder how to go about testing it with a string for higher powder charges.

 

[Sparkitoff]

I hope this works out. I want to see the results and Im, rooting for the gun and you to come through it fine.

 

[Mertoi]

I hope this works out. I want to see the results and Im, rooting for the gun and you to come through it fine.

Thanks! Found an antique restoration business in the town I work, he said he can help address the hammers and triggers. Will take it to him Thursday. Will be sure to post updates.

 

[Mertoi]

Well all, unfortunately after bore sighting cracks were indeed found in the barrel as well as an old old charge still in one of the barrels. Seems I came out lucky when I tested it. Now comes the question of what to do with it. Want to check with a local shop who has a vast collection of vintage goodies, and see about using it partially towards a really awesome trade/canoe flintlock he has. Thank you all for the advice! Will be sure to post more stuff I get up to.

 

[Relic shooter]

Well all, unfortunately after bore sighting cracks were indeed found in the barrel as well as an old old charge still in one of the barrels. Seems I came out lucky when I tested it. Now comes the question of what to do with it. Want to check with a local shop who has a vast collection of vintage goodies, and see about using it partially towards a really awesome trade/canoe flintlock he has. Thank you all for the advice! Will be sure to post more stuff I get up to.

[B]Mertoi[/B] I would venture to state that you are one of many who are new to muzzleloading that have benefited from the wealth of experienced members who enjoy helping & want to see our historical sport grow.. ​

 

[Mertoi]

[B]Mertoi[/B] I would venture to state that you are one of many who are new to muzzleloading that have benefited from the wealth of experienced members who enjoy helping & want to see our historical sport grow.. ​

Yup, this would have been my 5th black powder and have shot them a little bit the past few years. Cap shortage makes it hard to take them out much.