Belgium W. Richard 8 Gauge Market Gun

• Licensing Category: Non-restricted
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  SN 1331 is a W. Richards Belgium built 8 gauge market hunting shotgun.  This massive shotgun shows 34 1/4" Damascus steel barrels bearing pre 1893 Belgium Liege proofs.  The brown barrels still show the Damascus pattern.  The name W. Richard was used by Belgium makers as a name close to the best "Westley Richards".  This gun was probably built by Henri Pieper, a Liege maker who registered the trade name W. Richards (1874-1898).  This name was also used by Neumann Freres.  This massive gun weighs 12.4 lbs and shows an overall length of 51". This example shows very heavy barrels with bright but lightly corroded bores with 3 1/4" chambers.  The action is of the underlever double lock style.  The back action locks show their original hammers and firing pins.  The buttstock is walnut and remains in sound condition without cracks or breaks . Any 8 gauge market hunting gun is a scarce item on the market at this time.