The Westley Richards 'Africa Rifle' - Finishing Continues with the First Assembly and the First Photo with The India Rifle.

I should be saving this picture for maximum impact, when the rifle is complete, but I can't resist and the final photographs will be better anyway I hope. For various reasons I have decided to post the photos as they come from the camera, it shows the process of the rifle completion and the subtle changes that will occur over the next month. Barrel black, patination and detailing of engraving, finish of stock and of course casing, which is where the rifle heads tomorrow for its 'first fitting'.

This photograph shows the detailed stock inlays of gold and silver and also shows a hint of the dancing impala on the barrels. A heavy protective coat of lacquer has altered the colour of the action and inlays, this is essential during the handling of the rifle whilst we complete the work, protecting the case colours and everything from damage. Once the rifle is fully assembled and functioning the barrels will go for blacking, the action lacquer stripped off and the inlays will be finished to final patination colouration.

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Comments

9 comments

SC

Simon Clodeon November 04, 2025

Simon Clode on June 2, 2016 at 6:23 pm

Thank you, they are indeed special I think. The rifles were made as a Pair, so in that sense they are exactly the same except the engraving details. The stocks were a matched pair and stocked by the same craftsman as were the barrels and actions etc. I am giving the India barrels to the case maker for the Africa as they are exactly same and we can then case and black barrels at same time! Soon be finished and photographed properly with more details!
VD

Vance Daigleon November 04, 2025

Vance Daigle on June 2, 2016 at 6:17 pm

PS: I think the spears are really great, and I would bet the story of them is even greater!!!!

In Christ
Vance,
VD

Vance Daigleon November 04, 2025

Vance Daigle on June 2, 2016 at 6:15 pm

Simon,
This is certainly two masterpieces for the ages Sir. After close inspection it would appear to this novice that both guns were stocked by the same craftsman?
The stocks look to have had the same hands shaping on them. I would want to say the same thing about the barrels but one not having blue yet… I will save that thought until completed blueing photo’s. While the checkering is close it looks to me like the same craftsman may have not done both guns, but as I stated earlier I am really a novice and have not the talent to state strongly, but only ask. Thank you for the wonderful photo’s!!!!

In Christ
Vance,
L

Larryon November 04, 2025

Larry on June 2, 2016 at 10:41 pm

This is a truly stunning rifle. Everything about it is just over the top. It truly shows why your guns and rifles are the best anywhere in the world. I am very excited to see the cased photos! What are the plans for the case?
MR

Mims Reedon November 04, 2025

Mims Reed on June 3, 2016 at 12:52 am

What a pair! Pardon the pun.