This rifle is listed by serial number 6326 on page 304 of Donald Dallas' book "Alexander Henry: Rifle Maker" as a "B/D/H/L/R" (best grade double hammerless rifle) in 450/400 2 3/8 inch with remarks "Henry H/L pat." and a completion date of 28/10/1889. The rifle is built on Henry's classic lever-cocking patent (Patent No. 5273 of November 4, 1882, use number 205). Dallas notes that between 1883 and the end of the century only around 241 rifles had been built to this patent. Norman R. Blank's note state the rifle's provenance was "probably Keith Neal." A receipt from Martin B. Retting from 1957 is also included. The browned Damascus barrels have Henry patent rifling, a beaded blade front sight on the mostly file cut matted rib, "ALEXR. HENRY, EDINBURGH AND LONDON./MAKER TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH" marked on the non-matted section ahead of the two leaf rear sight (unmarked fixed, 200 yard folding, both with platinum sight lines), engraved border at the breech end, and on the underside the serial numbers, "A.H.," an "S" in an oval, London black powder proof marks and ".390" nominal bore markings. The casehardened action also has the serial number and "A.H." and London view marks on both sides of the watertable. The casehardened back action hammerless locks have cocking indicators and gold inlaid "COCKED" markings, "ALEXR HENRY" signed in banners. The upper tang has "HENRYS/No 205/PATENT" in an oval and the automatic safety with silver inlaid "SAFE." The serial number is inscribed on the trigger guard tang. The whole of the action and locks are engraved with tight scroll engraving. The splinter forearm and pistol grip stock are finely checkered, and the buttstock is particularly well-figured and has an oval shadowline cheekpiece and a rubber recoil pad with black spacer. Sling eyes are fitted to the underside of the barrels and the butt. Length of pull 14 1/16 inches. Weight 7 lbs. 1 oz. Provenance: Martin B. Retting; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine with 90% original brown finish showing minor fading towards the breech end, 85% original vibrant case colors with even fading mainly on the breech section and underside of the action and lever, crisp engraving and markings, and generally minor overall wear mainly consisting of some light marks and scratches. The wood is also very fine and has crisp checkering, attractive figure, slight separation of the pad at the toe, and light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. This is certainly a very attractive example of Alexander Henry's highly regarded best grade hammerless double rifle.