W. RICHARDS (SN 3488):  This is an antique exposed hammer side-by-side double-barrel LaFauchuex style bottom-lever shotgun, with 30” long (18.2 mm) choked 12 gauge Belgian barrels, with “CAST STEEL BELGIUM” inscribed on the upper rib.  This shotgun was likely manufactured by Henri Pieper between 1884 and before 1893 based upon the proof mark.  Antique—no C&R or FFL required.
 
HISTORY: The first double barrel shotguns using the label ‘W. Richards’ were from England, beginning with a gun maker named William Richards who died in 1820.  His son, also William Richards, moved to Birmingham in 1842, and then to Liverpool until he died in 1864.  His eldest son William Henry Richards, continued the gun making business until he died 1857; thereafter, it was taken over by his younger brother Henry Richards until 1895.  From this point, the company split between two of Henry’s sons, William and Westley Richards.  William began a branch in Preston called William Richards Ltd., which reverted back to his younger brother after his death in 1920. Westley took over the Liverpool branch, becoming W Richards (Liverpool) Ltd., which continued until 1984 through various owners.  Another English gun maker—from Birmingham—apparently also used the W. Richards label from 1885-1900, with the inscription BEST BIRMINGHAM MAKE on the upper barrel rib.
 
Two Belgian manufacturers—Henri Pieper (1884-1889) and Crescent Fire Arms Co. (1888-1931)–also used W. Richards as a trade name; Pieper would sometimes have LONDON LAMINATED STEEL, and Crescent would sometimes have NORWICH CONN. inscribed on the upper barrel ribs.  But both used the trade name without a barrel rib inscription as well.  It appears that these Belgium manufacturers sold their guns through mass distributors like H & D Folsom Arms Company (1849-1932).      
 
CONDITION: This firearm was disassembled (where possible); the metal components have been cleaned up (where possible), then greased and oiled; the wood components have been cleaned (not stripped or refinished), and then reassembled.  It is in good working order including the firing pins; the hammer-locks both function, and the springs are strong.  The LaFauchuex style bottom-lever action functions properly, and the barrels close tight; the interior of the barrels are descent with some wear marks, but appear to be in good condition given their age.  This collectable firearm is not for shooting, at least without a good look over from a reputable gunsmith, and then only with low pressure black-powder or subsonic loads—it’s a wall hanger (art piece), not a daily shooter.  You see what you get, it is being sold ‘as is’ without an expressed or implied warranty—see the payment, shipping, and handling instructions.