VERY RARE** MINT BORE**1867 Dated Westley Richards Whitworth Patent .451/475 \'Monkey Tail\' Breech Loading Percussion Pistol Regiment Marked ‘R1 C15’ To The Portuguese Lisbon Cavalry. Sn 21352 .41 Single Shot

**VERY RARE** MINT BORE**1867 Dated Westley Richards Whitworth Patent .451/475 'Monkey Tail' Breech Loading Percussion Pistol Regiment Marked ‘R1 C15’ To The Portuguese Lisbon Cavalry. Sn 21352 - 21352

British Military Trials on Breech Loading firearms began in the mid 1800's. The most successful rifle was that submitted by Westley Richards. Its breech consisted of a plunger attached to a long handle which, when the breech was closed, lay along the top of the stock neck and was raised to open it, thus earning the nickname of the monkey-tail from its distinctive silhouette. This is a superb example of the large (15" overall) 'Monkey tail' .451 Calibre pistol made by Westley Richards made in 1867 (1867 pistols serial number up to 1000 were issued to Lisbon Cavalry & Infantry Regiments, have 2 lanyard rings and sometimes have spurred butts. It has excellent original woodwork. It has a heavy military hammer, 9" barrel with block and blade foresight, trigger with knurled edge, steel ramrod and correct monkey tail hinged breech. The bore is near mint, clean and bright with well defined rifling. The breech is stamped 'WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT'. It's plain lock plate is marked 'WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co' & Dated '1867' within triangle. The barrel is marked '25 GRAINS' and 'WHITWORTH PATENT'. The left side of the breech is stamped with inspection/proof marks and serial number '492' which is repeated on the trigger guard tang. It has brass fore stock block, trigger guard with extended tang and brass butt cap with military lanyard ring. The butt is Regiment marked ‘R1 C15’. The stock is also fitted with an additional lanyard ring. Although without spurred butt, the serial number and the presence of 2 lanyard rings indicates issue to Portuguese Lisbon Cavalry. Its loading and firing mechanisms work with a strong spring action. The price for this very rare pistol in excellent condition and worthy of further research regarding the Regiment marks includes UK delivery. NB As an antique percussion weapon no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 21352

£2,850.00