In March 2011, a single-trigger Westley Richards 'drop-lock' double rifle fetched $295,000 at a James Julia auction, estimated to total around $340K with buyer's premium etc.  This is perhaps four times the actual value of a .577 Nitro double, so why?  The rifle was once owned by Ernest Hemingway, affectionately known to many Americans as 'Papa Doc'.  Along with Robert Ruark, he is credited with popularising the post-war African safari hunt for the 'big five' through his prolific writings on the subject during the 1950s.

Collectors have always appreciated the additional value of provenance associated with a particular piece, and in this case it has resulted in a significant windfall for the previous owner.