(A) FINE ALEXANDER HENRY DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR PRESENTATION BY EDWARD

(A) FINE ALEXANDER HENRY DOUBLE RIFLE MADE FOR PRESENTATION BY EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES DURING HIS INDIA TOUR, LATER OWNED BY MAJOR SARTORIUS V.C. Finely patterned Damascus barrels with full length, lightly file cut, rib, mounted with one standing, one folding leaf express rear sight, and longitudinally dovetailed silver bead front, are engraved “To Maj Sartorius, V.C. 6th Bengal Cavalry 1894” on central top of left bbl. Top of rib is engraved “From H. R. H. The Prince of Wales K.G.G.C.S.I.” and “INDIA 1875 – 76” along with “Alexr Henry 12 South St. Andrew St. Edinburgh Patent No. 2783.” and “Maker To Their Royal Highness’ The Prince of Wales and Duke of Edinburgh”. Barrel flats are stamped with London black powder proofs, SN, and “AH”, bottoms of barrels with “Henry’s Patent” “A & T 2459 and 2460” (Barrel patent use numbers, Adams & Tate, were barrel makers). Coin finished, Jones underlever action is fitted with peninsula non-rebounding back action locks fit with uniquely Henry styled serpentine hammers and front sliding stalking safeties that engage at half cock. Action is engraved with well cut small scroll at about 60% coverage. Lockplates and hammers are engraved with very well cut shaded small intricate scroll. “Alexr Henry” is in scrolled band toward tail of each lockplate. Broadly streaked and lightly figured, dense European walnut steel trap capped full pistol grip buttstock measures 14 - 3/8" over checkered and engraved steel buttplate, and features point pattern checkering, and classic attenuated Henry style shadow line right hand cheekpiece. A sling eye is on toe line along with large gold oval engraved with central Prince of Wales plumes surrounded by Order of Garter motto “Honi Soit Qui Maly Pense” in belt, surrounded by garland of roses, surmounted by Princes crown. This central crest is flanked by initials “A E” (Albert Edward), all above small crest of Star of India. Matching splinter forend has decorative engraved steel tip and fastens to barrel with captive side nail through shaped and engraved steel escutcheons. Weight: 8 lbs. 9 oz. Maj. Reginald William Sartorius, who won the Victoria Cross for “conspicuous bravery on Jan. 17, 1874 during the attack on Abogoo in the Ashanti War.” He also served during the Indian mutiny, the Bhutan War, the Kossi campaign, the Volta Expedition, 1874 under Sir John Glover where he won the V.C., and the Afghan War of 1879. Factory records indicate that this rifle was completed on 7 Sept 1875 as part of a large order of rifles for the Prince of Wales to give as gifts during his tour of India. The full order was for a pair of .500 rifles nos. 3652/3, two .450 rifles nos 3653/4. Two .500 rifles nos. 3655/6, and two .577 rifles nos. 3657/8. Rifle no. 3655 was sold at Christies 23 Nov 2011. CONDITION: Very fine. Barrels retain 80 – 90% of what appears to be their originnal brown, but is possibly a very old re-brown, with excellent definition to Damascus pattern. “Maj. Sartorius” engraving is still bright. Action and locks cleaned to coin finish. Stalking safeties retain most of a fire blue. Trigger guard re-blued and retains most of that blue. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their original oil finish, with numerous minor dents and dings, checkering re-cut. There is evidence of repaired crack at wrist (does not flex). Bores are very fine with strong, sharp rifling throughout, slightly frosted, and with a few small pits. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Locks crisp. A very interesting, historically important rifle. Name Value Barrel Length 28" Caliber/Bore .450 BPE Drop at Comb 1 - 3/4" Drop at Heel 2 - 13/16" FFL Status Antique Length of Pull 14 - 3/8" Manufacturer Alexander Henry Model Double Rifle Serial Number 3654, Name, Value, Barrel Length, 28", Caliber/Bore, .450 BPE, Drop at Comb, 1 - 3/4", Drop at Heel, 2 - 13/16", FFL Status, Antique, Length of Pull, 14 - 3/8", Manufacturer, Alexander Henry, Model, Double Rifle, Serial Number, 3654

Estimate:£4,534.50

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