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The O-Prefix books record:
Gun No.
Barrels
Action
Actioned By
Stock
Finisher
Weight
Sold To
Date (of delivery)
References to barrel description in the relevant column record material, gauge, chokes and length.
References to actions in the relevant column record details like lever, hammer or hammerless, one or two triggers, model name, etc.
Among the model names present are:
A&D (Anson & Deeley)
Ovundo
Centenary
Heronshaw (first recorded in Sept 1923)
Explora
Super Magnum Explora
While most of these serial numbers are prefixed with an O, some are altered to prefix with C or B or D, or used without any prefix at all (often these numbers are used for ‘fitter-in’ barrels. That is, new barrels fitted to an older gun).
For example, No.1987 is assigned to new 12-bore, 'Westley Richards Steel' 28” barrels choked cylinder in both, fitted into gun No.7702 on 26th September 1935 for a Capt. P. Macnamara.
An example of a gun with an O prefix is No. O1474, which is a 12-bore Heronshaw model with 30” barrels, made to pair with No.9109, for a Stephen Cox on 30th August 1924. It is a two-trigger ejector, actioned by Ward, weighing 6lbs 12 1/2oz.
Unlike the G and T-prefix guns and rifles, the O-prefix series is widely assigned to individual customers as well as other retailers. Trade customers are recorded (like Lyon & Co., London and Manton & Co., Calcutta) but individual customers are listed at least as often as trade customers.
Among the customers listed are the Marajah of Patiala, the Khan of Bhopal, and Sir Percy Wyndham. Renowned author and hunter J.A. Hunter owned a .470 with detachable locks, 28” barrels and a single trigger, made in 1924 with serial number O1431, built for A. Sydney Waller. Hunter acquired it secondhand in 1938.
These guns appear to have been medium quality in general. However, there are exceptions, like No. O2142, made in 1950, and noted as a ‘best quality, Scott lever, detachable lock’.
O-prefix guns and rifles appear to have been made mostly outside the Westley Richards factory by outworkers, with actioners like Phillipson listed and finishers like Cross, H&J and Harris also noted.
They may have been stocked in-house, as stock dimensions are usually listed in detail, without an individual stocker being noted.
O-prefix guns and rifles might be considered by collectors as not quite as bona fide as fully in-house made products from Westley Richards but they are reflective of an efficient Birmingham gun trade making use of the bountiful talents surrounding the big factories, where artisans and specialists helped ensure that production of firearms reflecting a full range of price points, was delivered in acceptable time frames.
Westley Richards quality control was applied to everything sold, thereby ensuring that every gun or rifle leaving the factory with the Westley Richards name was an acceptable representation of the company's wares in that particular grade.
Westley Richards has an outstanding reputation for supplying a comprehensive selection of pre-owned guns and rifles. We pride ourselves on our in depth knowledge of the many sporting arms built over the last 200 years, placing particular emphasis on big game rifles, like the 577 Nitro Express, 505 Gibbs and 425 Westley Richards. Whether looking to grow or sell your collection of firearms, or simply require a trusted evaluation, our team from the sales department would be delighted to hear from you. To view the latest available, head to the used shotguns and used rifles pages, and for those interested in new firearms, explore our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.
