Very early 1860 Westley Richards “Monkey Tail” Volunteer Rifle – Serial No. 218 – With Yataghan Bayonet

Original British Westley Richards “Monkey Tail” percussion breech-loading volunteer rifle, dated 1860 and carrying the notably low serial number 218 and Whitworth rifling.

A very early example from the first year of production, not long after experiments and trials and were completed.

The 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 Volunteer-pattern rifle, produced for the flourishing Volunteer movement rather than standard government issue.

The 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.

Accompanying the rifle is a yataghan-form sword bayonet, 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. 

Matching numbers including the stock.

The combination of the 1860 date, early serial number 218, Volunteer configuration and fitted bayonet makes this a particularly attractive example of an important early British breech-loading rifle.

Condition: 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.

Antique firearm: Offered strictly as an antique collector’s item, curiosity or ornament per Section 58 GB. No ammunition is included or offered with the rifle.

UK delivery included in the price, please contact for international shipping.