Lot 29: Stephen Alexander Henry Pattern Rifle 450

This is an exceptional example of a big bore percussion rifle marked Stephen Alexander and is pictured on page 306 of R.L. Wilson's "Steel Canvas The Art of American Arms". This rifle was also made for Mr. Wilson and was completed in 1988. Wilson calls the rifle "Masterwork by a contemporary maker in tribute to earlier craftsmen." This is a 450 caliber percussion mid-nineteenth century English-style sporting rifle. Some of these rifles are used on African safaris and prove to be deadly accurate. The embellishment was done by Master Engraver Lynton McKenzie. The heavy octagon barrel is equipped with an ivory beaded blade front sight and a fixed iron rear sight with a triangle shaped piece of ivory on the face. The top barrel flat is marked "STEPHEN P ALEXANDER". There is a solid under rib with a walnut ram rod secured by three pipes, with a sling eye mounted on the center pipe. The hammer, lock, bolster and trigger are casehardened, with blue remaining parts. The lock, bolster, hammer, trigger guard, grip cap and buttplate are very nicely engraved with floral scroll designs and the lock is marked "S.P. ALEXANDER". The rifle is mounted with a beautifully grained select walnut checkered pistol grip half stock

Near mint as professionally manufactured with virtually all of the blue finish and bright case colors remaining. The stock is excellent with a few small minor dings and handling marks, with sharp checkering. Sharp markings and engraving. The action is tight as new. An extraordinary, well documented, custom gun!