These rifles were manufactured by Alexander Henry. The famous Scottish gunsmith is the originator of Henry rifling first used on the British Martini-Henry rifles in 1871. Many of his finest sporting arms were used by influential leaders on hunting trips in India and Africa including Winston Churchill's paternal grandfather and Prince Edward. Others were given by Edward to officials in India during his many visits. Factory document copies included with the consignor's research indicate these high end double rifles were sold to Harry Panmure Gordon (1837-1902) on July 18th, 1884. Gordon was the founder of Panmure Gordon & Co., an influential stockbroker and investment bank established in 1876 and still in operation. The company was among the most active stock brokers in all of London and advised some of the most important English companies when they entered the London Stock Exchange during the height of England's economic power. Gordon also wrote "The Land of the Almighty Dollar" (copy included) and "Protection and Prosperity vs. Free Trade and Industrial Ruin: A Minimum Wage: A Reply to Max Hirsh." Gordon previously served in the 10th Hussars, commanded the Shanghai Mounted Volunteer Rangers during the Taiping Rebellion, and travelled extensively. He was also a devoted sportsman, shooting pony (used to haul game) and dog breeder, and was President of the Scottish Kennel Club. Both guns have incredibly detailed, full coverage English scrollwork engraving throughout aside from on the "London Twist" Damascus barrels which have bands of engraving at the breech. Both are marked "ALEXR HENRY" in banners on the side plates and "ALEXR HENRY, EDINBURGH AND LONDON/MAKER TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS' THE PRINCE OF WALES AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH." on the top of the ribs. The matching serial numbers are on the barrels, forearms, water tables, and lower tangs. The locks have sliding hammer safeties. Both guns have checkered forearms and pistol grip buttstocks with shadow line cheekpieces, red recoil pads, and grip caps with small trapdoor compartments. Sling studs are fitted to the bottom of the ribs and the underside of the stocks. There are extra firing pins in the compartment of gun B. Both guns have low profile blade front sighs, serrated ribs with slight ramps at the front, and notch rear sights with platinum sight lines. Gun A also has scope bases. The pair comes with a leather takedown case with red baize lining and a black and gold Alexander Henry label.

Fine. The barrels retain 70% plus of the slightly faded original brown finish and have some distinct twist patterns. The safeties have 90% nitre blue. 60% plus of the original case colors remain on the other components which have only some slight silvering at the edges. The wood is also fine and has crisp checkering and a minor handling and storage marks. The deteriorated recoil pad has hardened from age and is flaking. The engraving patterns and markings are crisp throughout, and it is mechanically excellent. The case is poor with straps and handles absent, separation of the lid edges, and extensive exterior wear. The interior shows far less wear. The book is fine with mild shelf wear.

As discussed in A.

Fine as partially refurbished (buttstock). 75% of the original brown finish, 70% original case colors, and niter blue finish remain. There is some slight handling and storage marks and some minor fading at the edges. The twist patterns on the barrels are mostly crisp, and the engraving patterns and markings are distinct. The reoiled wood is very good and has crisp checkering, some minor dings, and light handing and storage marks. There is a small filled spot from the original buttplate finial, and the period replacement recoil pad has only mild wear. It is mechanically excellent.