Alexander Henry Edinburgh .577-500 BPE 3 1/8″ Double Rifle, 1879 Antique
SOLD FOR: $5225
LSB#: 210906MB03
Make: Alexander Henry
Model: Best Quality Double Rifle
Serial Number: 4609
Year of Manufacture: 1879
Caliber: .577/500 Black Powder Express, 3 1/8″ Shells
Action Type: Back-Action External Rebounding Hammer Under-Lever Double Rifle with Extractor and Hammer Safeties
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “ALEXR HENRY, EDINBURGH AND LONDON / MAKER TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRICE OF WALES AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH”. The bottom of each barrel is marked “HENRY’S PATENT A&T”, the right is marked “3872”, the left “3876”. Each barrel flat is marked “AH / 4609”, “39” and with British proof marks. Each side of the water table is marked “4609” and with British proofs. The guard is marked “4609”. Each lockplate is marked “THOMAS TURNER”. The water table is marked “4609”, “AH” and with a British proof mark on each side. The bottom tang is marked “4609”. The receiver, lever, hammers, guard, lockplates, grip cap and exposed portions of the forend iron and latch assembly have scroll engraving. Each lockplate has “ALEXR HENRY” on banners.
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to the front of the barrel’s solid rib. The rear sight assembly has a fixed “V”-notch with a vertical platinum line aiming reference. In front of this is a taller folding “V”-notched leaf with a vertical platinum line beneath the notch, marked “200” and “YDS” to each side of the notch. The top of the rib is finely serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, case color steel capped pistol grip, straight comb, shadow line cheekpiece, orange rubber buttpad, and sling eyelet in the belly (the other eyelet is mounted to the barrel rib in front of the forend). The stocks have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most of which are dark and finished over. There are a few nicks around the top edge of the forend. There are a couple of very minor losses at the rear of the top tang and the bottom edge of the left lockplate. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ and 13 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad, 13 1/2″ and 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The cast is about neutral. The pad has minor wear and has hardened some with age. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Browned Damascus & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished. According to the consignor, the rifle was restored in 2008 by Buck Hamlin of Pevely, MO.
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright with well defined rifling (Henry rifling, of course). There is some scattered minor erosion in the bores with infrequent minor pitting. Each bore has a ring of light-moderate erosion a couple of inches in front of the chambers.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrels have thinning finish at some edges, a few spots of wear on their bottoms forward of the sling eyelet, and a few other scattered minor marks in their strong damascus patterning. The case color is still strong throughout with some minor erosion on the standing breech and water table, under the finish. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some show light wear, but are legible. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The barrels lock up with no play. The triggers are light and crisp. The hammer safeties can be engaged when the rebounding hammers are down. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a gold-colored luggage case with leather bolsters at the corners, brass latch, English-style straps and a reproduction Alexander Henry label on the inside of the lid. The inside of the lid also includes a label with information about the gun. A total of 18 Bertram Bullet Co. brass cases are included, though most show a notable dent on the shoulder. Also included is a three-die set from CH4D Custom Die Co in a black plastic case with label.
Our Assessment: While his name is now best associated with the British Empire’s Martini-Henry rifles and carbines, Alexander Henry was a well respected Scottish gunmaker, officially appointed as maker to the Prince of Wales and Duke of Edinburgh. He was also something of a big deal in Edinburgh politics of the 19th century, being a Moderator of the High Constables, town Councilor, Justice of the Peace, admitted to the Royal Scottish Society of Arts, as well as being a Freemason. This best quality double rifle, lovingly and skillfully restored by Buck Hamlin shows the quality of Henry’s work. The fit and finish is nice, the action is tight, the gun is in outstanding shape for a gun which is more than 140 years old. This rifle likely has a lot more use left in it, and comes with a nice case for storage and transport, 18 Bertram cases and a CH-4D die set if you’re looking to fire it. Whether you’re looking to go on Safari or just appreciate a finely made double rifle, this is a great one to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!