I was offered a Jap copy of a Westley droplock in game gun configuration, 28" barrels, single selective trigger. Stamped Tokyo on water table . 2 1/2" chamber gun. Stock checkering was worn and a few dings in wood but otherwise in decent shape. About $4K. Another friend collector told me to run away.
There were some excellent Japanese gunsmiths, and the quality MIGHT be equal to an original WR but even if it is consider the struggle you would face if try to re-sell it.
Yours friend’s advice is sound.
4k sounds steep for a copy of a WR droplock of unknown quality when there are serviceable originals on GI for around 13K retail, which is probably already steep.
4k sounds steep for a copy of a WR droplock of unknown quality when there are serviceable originals on GI for around 13K retail, which is probably already steep.
Not for the original subgauge guns.
There is a Westley Richards on this site guns for sale around 7000
Is this Japanese gun a small bore?
The BC Miroku Model FE is a H&H clone manufactured in Japan. At the time Miroku was manufacturing SXSs, this was their top of the line model. Were I to have an opportunity, I would buy a Miroku Model FE regardless of resale difficulty and enjoy the pleasure of shooting a very nice shotgun the remainder of my shooting days. The Japanese built some very nice shotguns that never reached the American market to establish themselves for the value they represent.
A friend had a Tokyo copy of a WR droplock. It was a very fine gun in every way.
It is a 12 bore. If it was a 20, I probably would have jumped on it
Look at Hill rod and gun archive. They had one a couple of years ago, might have the sales price listed.
I don’t believe I have ever handled a crummy Japanese double shotgun. The Spanish could have learned a few things from them.
Best,
Ted
http://www.hillrodandgun.com/archivepicture.php?id=12435It was listed for $2200 and apparently had unshootably thin barrels at .009.
I’ve seen and handled a French made drop lock BLE. The guy who owns it didn’t even know it had hand detachable locks! I noticed that guns action was void of any screws or axle pins, then I noticed a small cover plate release that was visible when the forend was removed. Hmmmm. He was pretty surprised when I pushed in the cover plate release to access and remove the locks.
I cannot remember the maker of the gun. It was of very good quality. I don’t think he paid over 1k for it either. He purchased it from Cabelas when Cabelas used to wheel and deal in double guns. Those were the days.
I’ve seen and handled a French made drop lock BLE. The guy who owns it didn’t even know it had hand detachable locks! I noticed that guns action was void of any screws or axle pins, then I noticed a small cover plate release that was visible when the forend was removed. Hmmmm. He was pretty surprised when I pushed in the cover plate release to access and remove the locks.
I cannot remember the maker of the gun. It was of very good quality. I don’t think he paid over 1k for it either. He purchased it from Cabelas when Cabelas used to wheel and deal in double guns. Those were the days.
I distinctly recall Postoak's look of horror when he saw you holding several pieces of his new shotgun in your hand. That look was quickly replaced by an ear-to-ear grin when you revealed that he had lucked into something special. Another fond Flatwater memory.
LeFusil & Bluestem that was certainly a surprise !
I bought that gun for less than 800 dollars as I recall.
Based upon research I learned that the Belgian maker ARMAF was a consortium of earlier makers, and that the drop lock was of mine was originated by the maker J. Ronge about the same time as Westley Richards version.
Week after next I am taking it pheasant and quail hunting in western Kansas.
Good to be remembered old friends !
Good to hear from you, Postoak, and that you are still shooting that gun. I heard that there may be one or two pheasants left in Kansas, but so far it is just a rumor. Quail numbers are decent, though. Good luck!