WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO. A .450 CAPPING BREECH-LOADING WHITWORTH-RIFLED 'MONKEYTAIL' CARBINE, serial no. 10456, dated 1874, with 25in. Birmingham proofed barrel, engraved 'WHITWORTH PATENT' at breech, block and blade front-sight and reversed carbine pattern rear-sight graduated to 400 yards, the breech lever engraved 'WESTLEY RICHARDS PATENT' together with the triangle trademark, the lock stamped on the tail with a similar trademark dated 1884 and 'WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO' to the bar, iron mounted walnut full-stock, complete with sling swivels and iron clearing rod. * Please note this item is subject to 5% VAT on the hammer price (UK Buyers only).

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.