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WESTLEY RICHARDS
A PAIR OF 12-BORE BOXLOCK EJECTOR GUNS, NOS. 7818/9
30-inch barrels with 2 1/2-inch chambers, (No.2 barrels replacement by the maker), with about 1/4 and 3/4, 1/4 and 1/2 choke borings respectively, the rounded frames and patent top levers with bold scroll engraving, the maker's name signed in gold, 15-inch well figured stocks, 6lb. 8oz., nitro proof, in their maker's brassbound leather case with silver plaque bearing a presentation inscription: "Presented to John Ashburner Nix Esquire by a large number of friends in remembrance of his great services to the Unionist cause in Mid Devon, together with a loving cup and an illuminated album containing the names of the subscribers. The presentation was made by the Hon. W. F. D. Smith, MP at the Market Hall, Newton Abbot, January 24th 1901".
The maker confirms that the replacement barrels were fitted circa 1950.
John Ashburner Nix was High Sheriff of Sussex in 1911 and had been a great supporter of the Liberal Unionist Cause. The political impact of the Liberal Unionist breakaway marked the end of the long nineteenth century domination of the Liberal Plarty of the British political scene. His family seat was Tilgate Mansion, near Crawley and he served as a Major with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment.
Hon W.F.D. Smith MP was Conservative MP for The Strand (London) from 1891 to 1910 and was head of the family business W. H. Smith, the well known newsagent. |
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London |
| 18 April 2012 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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