very nice indeed

http://www.gunsinternational.com/detail.cfm?id=100230836

best, Mike

Description:
Westley Richards - England. Royal Presentation Fauneta 20 Bore Express Ball & Shot Gun Westley Richards, London. Exceptionally Rare Royal Presentation Cased Best Quality Droplock Ejector Fauneta Ball & Shot Gun. Manufactured for the Maharaja of Dhar ca 1923. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 ozs. stock measures 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 15 3/8 x 3/16 cast off to a thin 5/8” pigskin leather pad. Beautifully struck 28” chopperlump rifle choked ejector barrels, 5 leaf express sights and one standing fixed blade front sight, inscription on barrels reads; ‘Westley Richards 23 Conduit Street London, Gun Maker By Appointment To H.M. The King’. Scalloped and rounded best detachable lock action is engraved in lovely full coverage traditional Westley scroll as is the forend iron, trigger guard has a Mudhol Hound [an ancient breed native to the Deccan Plateau of western India] with ornamental scroll surrounding the outer edge and down the bow, splinter forend has a contoured horn tip with a scalloped Ansley latch, the very finest exhibition grade straight grip stock. The whole is case in black Elephant hide and polished oak with lavender suede interior with gold tooling and accessories throughout. A Royal presentation case is a Ł18,000.00 up-charge from the maker. Overall a magnificent set almost never seen. Book Documented Materials: In its day, the Westley Richards 20-bore Fauneta was advertised as being the most effective gun of its type, in terms of both accuracy and ranging power. It propels a 425 grain bullet at 1500 fps., and was capable of grouping 10 shots (firing right and left barrels alternately) within 4in. at 100 yards. In an advertisement published in 1919 the following testimonial from the Private Secretary to The Maharaja of Dhar was used to promote its effectiveness in the field: 'It will interest you to know that her Royal Highness The Maharani Sahiba of Dhar has recently shot a Tiger measuring 10ft. 4ins. with your 20-bore 'Fauneta' Ball and Shot Gun, which H.H. has been using for some time. It stopped the animal with one shot.' Provenance: Lt. Col. HH Maharaja Shri Sir UDAJIRAO II PUAR Bahadur K.C.S.I., C.I.E., K.B.E., Raja of Dhar 1898 to1926. Born 1886, Maharaja [cr.1918], K.C.S.I. [cr.1911], K.C.V.O., K.B.E.. Married HH Maharani Sahiba, Regent of Dhar, died 1931 and had issue, they had seven daughters. He died 30th July 1926.