This classic British rook rifle utilizes the famous Anson & Deeley patent boxlock action and, according to Colin Greenwood in “The Classic British Rook & Rabbit Rifle” (p. 156), was made in house by Westley Richards and was only available in Best Quality. The cost in 1909 is noted as 12 guineas. The blued octagonal barrel is respectively signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. LONDON” and “FOR .250 CARTRIDGE” on the left upper flat towards the breech and has a full length matted upper flat fitted with blued bead front sight and blued rear sight of one standing notch sight and two folding leaves, each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 150 yards, and has an automatic ejector. The casehardened scallop-back action is signed “WESTLEY RICHARDS” within a ribbon on each side and has an automatic safety with inlaid “SAFE”, blued toplever and blued floorplate. The furniture comprises a blued trigger guard and casehardened pistol grip cap. The rifle has classic English border and scroll engraving. The underside of the barrels and water table struck with Birmingham single definitive proof mark, and an import mark is on the bottom flat under the forearm. The well-figured walnut semi-pistol grip stock has a grooved bare butt, a checkered grip and forearm, dark horn forend cap, and blank silver oval initial escutcheon. It comes in a fitted canvas and leather takedown case lined in green baize with a printed Westley Richards trade label. Length of pull 14 1/2 inches. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine. The barrel retains 95% older reblued finish with clear engraved details and some minor rubbing to the finish on the muzzle and edges, muzzle re-crowned. The action retains 60% fairly strong original casehardened finish. The floorplate and toplever retain 75% original blued finish. The trigger guard has 40% original blued finish, and the pistol grip cap has 30% faded original casehardened finish. The engraving is clear throughout. The stock has attractive figure patterns, well-defined checkering, numerous scattered age related storage and handling marks and bruises, and a small hole from a knot near the front of the comb on the left. Mechanically excellent. The case is good and has replacement straps and handle.