{"product_id":"monkey-tail","title":"Very early 1860 Westley Richards “Monkey Tail” Volunteer Rifle – Serial No. 218 – With Yataghan Bayonet","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal \u003cstrong\u003eBritish Westley Richards “Monkey Tail” percussion breech-loading volunteer rifle\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003edated 1860\u003c\/strong\u003e and carrying the notably low \u003cstrong\u003eserial number 218 and Whitworth rifling.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA very early example from the first year of production, not long after experiments and trials and were completed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Monkey Tail was one of the best-known British capping breech-loading rifle designs of the mid-19th century, developed during the rapid transition from muzzle-loading arms towards practical breech-loading military rifles. This example is a \u003cstrong\u003eVolunteer-pattern rifle\u003c\/strong\u003e, produced for the flourishing Volunteer movement rather than standard government issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle retains the distinctive hinged “Monkey Tail” breech mechanism from which the pattern takes its familiar name, together with its long military-style stock and fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanying the rifle is a \u003cstrong\u003eyataghan-form sword bayonet\u003c\/strong\u003e, which fits the rifle correctly and gives the piece considerable display presence. The bayonet is offered with the rifle as a period matching though it is not original to the rifle. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatching numbers including the stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of the \u003cstrong\u003e1860 date, early serial number 218, Volunteer configuration and fitted bayonet\u003c\/strong\u003e makes this a particularly attractive example of an important early British breech-loading rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good original antique condition with age-related wear, marks, patina and surface oxidation consistent with military\/volunteer use and more than 160 years of age. Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntique firearm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offered strictly as an antique collector’s item, curiosity or ornament per Section 58 GB. No ammunition is included or offered with the rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUK delivery included in the price, please contact for international shipping. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castlereagh Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59421540122969,"sku":null,"price":1050.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1082\/0960\/2905\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_4bea83ab-d63d-4c11-bbbe-16be10268349.jpg?v=1789399706","url":"https:\/\/castlereaghantiques.co.uk\/products\/monkey-tail","provider":"Castlereagh Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}