Westley Richards Highest Possible

Westley Richards Highest Possible Patent information.

With thanks to Peter for this scan of patent information by Dennis Commins.

Westley Richards Highest Possible Nickel-plated.

With thanks to Andrew for permission to post these pics.

Westley Richards Highest Possible pistols early (horn grips, heart-shaped cutout) and late (nickelled) 

Both these pistols were sold by Holts Auctioneers.

Serial no.931:

Westley Richards Highest Possible (Henry Krank)

This pistol for sale at time of posting at https://www.henrykrank.com/ for £800.

Westley Richards Highest Possible (heart-shaped cutout) 

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial no. 26

Sold by West Street Antiques.

The same pistol advertised by Holts:

Pics copyright Holts Auctioneers

Boxed Westley Richards Highest Possible 

Serial number 48.

This pic copyright Holts Auctioneers.

Westley Richards Highest Possible (early) 

These pics copyright Holts Auctioneers.

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial no. 991 

This pistol in exceptional original condition.

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial no, 411 & 1127 

sn. 411

sn. 1127

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial nos 428 & 797 

Pics copyright Holts auctioneers.

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial no. 165 

With thanks to Mick W. Mick converted an old box for it.

Westley Richards Highest Possible (pitted, x2) 

Westley Richards Highest Possible (in wooden box)  

With thanks to Peter for this pic.

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial no. 1038 

Pics copyright Holts Auctioneers.

Westley Richards Highest Possible breech seals 

With thanks to Matt for research on the second variant HP (brass insert) and the first variant (leather-only seal) by John G.

Matt says: "I had read that the breech had either a curved tube behind the leather seal connecting the two holes, (first variant) or two 45 degree holes as per Anson's patent on the second variant.

On the second variant breech seal on my example it turns out that what was thought to be a rivet holding the seal in position, is in fact a brass block that makes up the internal curve of a transfer port within the scooped out curved cutout in the breech.

It simply hangs on the inside of the leather breech seal. This is a very clever and extremely simple way to reduce lost air volume in the slotted breech air passage.

I did wonder how the brass rivet held the leather seal in place, but was rather surprised to see what it actually was. Hope this is news to some of you.

According to jimmiedee's excellent article the heart-shaped variant had one massive cup type leather washer that lined the whole of the slotted breech air passage.

His article here."

John G says: "I did a quick check, and as you found, the second variant had the brass insert. However, my first variant had a diabolo shaped, flat bottomed, recess with a wide ledge around its perimeter, and the leather washer, with two holes, sat on this to create an air passage from cylinder to barrel. From the condition of the leather and the amount of dirt behind it, I am pretty sure that the seal is original to the gun."

Westley Richards Highest Possible (video) 

With thanks to Mark.

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial no. 977 

With thanks to Tim at www.timdysonairguns.co.uk.

Westley Richards Highest Possible (video review) 

This excellent video was first posted on Youtube by fieldsport cymru. 

Westley Richards Highest Possible serial no. 813 

Pics copyright Holts Auctioneers.

Westley Richards Highest Possible (frame cut-out, boxed) 

Westley Richards Highest Possible box lid