I have waited many years to get hold of a nice version of our Highest Possible air pistol, today finally one has been found! As always timing plays a part, Trigger heard someone being told on the phone that we were not interested when he had called in to sell it, 'no get it was called out' and the deal was done!
The Highest Possible has been a very elusive item, perhaps because so few were ever made which then had to survive the next 100 years. I have no exact records of the production figures but the Collectors Guide to Air Pistols by Dennis Hiller suggests that the highest serial number known is 1052 suggesting only 1000 odd were ever made.
Engraved on the L.H.S of the air chamber "WESTLEY RICHARDS HIGHEST POSSIBLE - AIR PISTOL". On the frame near the sear is stamped the serial number, 369, which also appears on various other parts. On the left side of the frame is engraved "WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. - LONDON W" and near the action latch appears "PATENT 24837 1907". The pistol has black chequered vulcanite grips and a 9 3/4 inch rifled barrel. Rear sight appears to be adjustable for elevation only. Length from tip of barrel to base of butt is 12 1/4 inches. The above design was patented by E. Anson, a relative of W. Anson of the well known partnership Anson & Deeley. The "Highest Possible" was also available nickel plated. Highest serial number seen is 1052. Inside of grips are usually scratched with the serial number of part of it and the rifling appears to be anticlockwise. ( From Air Pistols by Dennis Hiller)
The above sequence of photographs shows the cocking of the air pistol.
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Simon Clode on April 18, 2014 at 2:23 pm
Thank you, it has been a long wait and I think I will again just allow the Concentric version to walk in the door rather than spend time hunting for it! I do not, I am afraid, have the original ballistic specifications for the air pistol and I am not sure if the chronograph we have in our test tunnel will record the pellet. If I do try it I will post the result!
Ronald Fernandez on April 16, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Congratulations on your newest acquisition. To my eyes, the Highest Possible is an absolute beauty. I suppose you’re still on the hunt for the even rarer Concentric version. By the way, would you happen to know what the factory specifications are as regards muzzle velocity and energy? Or have you been able to test your air pistol over a chronograph?