Westley Richards Highest Possible (Henry Krank)
This pistol for sale at time of posting at https://www.henrykrank.com/ for £800.
Boxed Westley Richards Highest Possible
Serial number 48.
This pic 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 (video review)
This excellent video was first posted on Youtube by fieldsport cymru.