A collection of engraved, best-quality Westley Richards shotguns—including a pair of 28-ga. sidelocks—donated by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, will be auctioned April 27 by Morphy Auctions to benefit NRA.
A special auction later this month to benefit NRA and the NRA Whittington Center comes as welcome news for all members and everyone who values American freedoms, and this fundraiser will especially interest fans and collectors of finely crafted firearms. Going on the block on April 27 at Morphy’s Auctions will be 10 bespoke Westley Richards shotguns, all of them 20- and 28-gauge side-by-sides that were custom-built by the historic British maker for an American collector between 1985 and 1999.
Especially noteworthy is that these valuable guns are a gift from MidwayUSA founders Larry and Brenda Potterfield, whose generosity to the NRA and the Whittington Center, and whose philanthropy to the shooting sports is unprecedented. The Potterfields were instrumental in starting the Friends of NRA program, hosting the first event in their hometown of Columbia, Mo., and the popular events have since generated an amazing $800 million for The NRA Foundation. While the family’s continuing support for numerous NRA causes is legendary, this one is uniquely fitting because of Larry’s well-known love for firearms of all kinds and especially for fine smoothbores.
According to Dave Kelner, NRA Whittington Center director, this marks the second consecutive year the Potterfields have come through with “challenge grants” that in turn motivate other donors. “Last year Mr. and Mrs. Potterfield put up a very significant bequest on the basis that we would need to match it—and I’m happy to report we achieved that goal. This year’s auction proceeds also come with the stipulation that we match that amount—and we expect that to be a big number, too. So we’ll have some work to do, but rest assured, we’ll get there.”
Larry Potterfield said that his purpose for acquiring the guns was to support NRA. “We wouldn’t be in business if not for the NRA. I want my grandkids to have the same right to keep and bear arms that I have, and NRA is the foremost guardian of those rights. The NRA Whittington Center is the mecca of the shooting sports, and it is our intention to ensure it remains that way.”
The entire Westley Richards set sports deluxe wood and is fully engraved. Many of the hand-finished guns come with two barrel sets and accessories, and most appear to have been proof-fired only. Genuine works of art, the shotguns bear unique sequential serial numbers. To provide NRA the greatest return possible, there will be no seller’s premium. For further details on this landmark donation of prized firearms, as well as directions on how to register for the bidding, contact Morphy Auctions at 877-968-8880 or go to morphyauctions.com.
“The NRA is profoundly grateful for the donation of these magnificent firearms,” said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. “There’s no way to overstate the critical role Larry and Brenda Potterfield play in helping the NRA safeguard freedom and liberty and in assuring America has a magnificent range complex like the NRA Whittington Center. They are American patriots, true friends to all gun owners, and are among the most generous benefactors in the 150-year history of our Association.”
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