Note that Westley Richards never (I know, never say never) marked his guns other than "Westley Richards." Now, his several removed cousin (as I recall), William Richards, did, indeed, mark his guns "W. Richards." William's guns will be found with Preston or Liverpool addresses. They will be of the quality that was ordered/paid for, farmer grade BLNE to to best work SLE. Westley Richards guns have Brand Value of 3/4 of Boss-H&H-Purdey-Woodward guns and W. Richards have 1/2. The Belgian use of the "W. Richards" name must not be confused with either Westley or Williams products. The gun in question is undoubtedly a Belgian made "hardware store" gun, and a lower grade at that. Sorry, but that is the truth.
DDA
One clarification regarding the "real McCoy" W. Richards guns. While most guns will say Liverpool, some do say London. It appears William Richards had a London address at one time and learned his trade there. This would be akin to seeing a Westley marked London (a retail outlet) when made in B'ham.
Above all, quality and proof marks together confirm a real W. Richards. The logs and the firm still exist so if in doubt, ask W. Richards if the gun is theirs.
