A Percussion Breech Loading Westley Richards Patent ‘Monkey Tail’ Pistol, No. 492, dated 1867. With round sighted barrel, stamped ‘Whitworth-Patent’ along the top in front of the serial numbered breech block stamped ’25 Grains’, hinged breech lever stamped ‘Westley Richards Patent’, signed flat lock dated within a triangle on the tail, figured three-quarter stock (some bruising commenserate with age) regulation brass mounts including butt-cap with lanyard ring, the butt is regimentally marked, ‘R1 C15’, chequered trigger, and no provision for a ramrod. Mint bore. 

Footnotes:

For another example without provision for a ramrod and formerly in the Howard L. Blackmore Collection see Claude Blair, Pistols of the World, 1968, pp. 119-120, no. 461

This is a superior example of the large (15" overall) 'Monkey tail’. 1867 dated pistols serial numbered up to 1000 were issued to Lisbon Cavalry & Infantry Regiments, they have 2 lanyard rings and sometimes have spurred butts. 

Dimensions:

Bore: .451 Calibre

Barrel Length: 9 Inches (22.86 cm)

Overall Length: 15 Inches (38.10 cm)