Shotgun, double barrelled percussion shotgun

This percussion shotgun belonged to the British statesman William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898). A keen hunter, Gladstone famously shot off his left forefinger with it whilst shooting in the Scottish Highlands in September 1842.

Shooting accidents were common and care had to be taken not to load the same barrel twice causing it to explode. The user would typically chalk the barrel to record that it was loaded. This weapon is fitted with a grip safety which prevents it from going off accidentally. The user had to grip the lever and pull the trigger in order to fire. The manufacturer, Westley Richards, is a Birmingham-based firm but in Gladstone's time the company had a shop on New Bond Street where this weapon was purchased.