Considering the quality of some sidelocks, that may be damning with faint praise

I think 'best' quality would be more appropriate. IMHO there's no comparison between a top quality WR detachable lock and pretty much all the other boxlocks, and alot of those are pretty nice too! For me, if I were only to have one DR in my life, I would find it tough to choose between a H&H Royal and a WR detachable lock, but I would probably go with the WR...

I've always had a soft spot for WR because I grew up in the Midlands and know that it has always been the real heart of British industry and manufacturing. Some of the craftsmen there can easily rival anywhere else in the world. Plus, even when I was a kid WR used to go out of their way to reply to my letters and send me information about guns, rifles, hunting and cartridges. Its just a more 'real' and 'down to earth' kind of attitude that you get in that part of the world. No false airs and graces, but huge pride in the quality of workmanship. The only other place that holds similar affection for me is a fishing tackle shop in Perthshire, but that is another story! I have an affection for H&H too, but always feel that their interest in me was much more dependent on how much I spent - a much more 'London' attitude!