WESTLEY RICHARDS – BEST PRE WAR DROPLOCK DOUBLE RIFLE 22 HI POWER

A truly exceptional and historically important British sporting rifle — Westley Richards Best Pre-War Droplock Double Rifle in .22 Hi-Power, originally built in 1920 for the Maharaja of Patiala.

Constructed on Westley Richards’ legendary Droplock action, this rifle represents the firm’s highest level of pre-war craftsmanship. Originally chambered in .22 Hi-Power, it was rebarreled by Westley Richards in 1928, remaining within the maker’s own records and care — an important detail preserving factory provenance.

Only approximately 20 examples of this configuration were produced, placing it among the rarest of Westley Richards sporting doubles.

The rifle is fitted with 26" barrels, regulated with one standing and four folding leaf sights, offering graduated distance capability consistent with its original royal commission. It is further equipped with a Nickel Marburg L Supra 4x36 scope mounted in claw mounts, an elegant and highly period-appropriate optic arrangement.

Configuration includes double triggers, ejectors, a splinter forearm, and pistol grip, all housed in its makers case. With the scope installed, the rifle weighs 9 lbs 9 oz and carries a 14¾" length of pull, balancing with the steady authority expected of a pre-war British double rifle.

This rifle’s combination of Droplock construction, royal provenance, extreme rarity, factory rebarreling, and original configuration makes it an elite-tier acquisition. A pre-war Westley Richards Droplock built for the Maharaja of Patiala is not merely a fine double rifle — it is a significant piece of British sporting and imperial history.