The maker’s records confirm that this best quality rifle was completed in 1861 for a Kenneth Dawson. With browned Damascus barrels with raised partially file cut matted flat rib engraved “PATENT No. 160 GAUGE 451”, signed “ALEX.R HENRY 8 SOUTH ST. ANDREW ST. EDINBURGH” and fitted with bead front sight and blued rear express sight. The express sight of one standing and five folding leaves each with a platinum inlaid center line, graduated to “500” yards and each folding leaf finely engraved with scrollwork. The underside of the barrels with London proof marks and barrel maker’s mark “A.H”. Casehardened patent breeches each with pierced platinum plug and with the rib section engraved with fine scrollwork. Standing breech engraved with further fine scrollwork and with inlaid platinum line. Bar-In-Wood detented side locks each with safety catch, sculpted hammer and signed “ALEX.R HENRY”. The locks finely engraved with scrollwork and a differing exotic game scene involving deer and tigers. Pistol grip trigger guard engraved with further scrollwork and a panel scene involving a stag being chased by hounds, the tip of the finger rest checkered. Well-figured walnut half-stock with checkered grip and forearm, the right side of the butt with hinged patch box cover finely engraved with a 12 point Royal stag. Butt plate engraved with a deer and a recumbent tiger on the tang. The wrist inset with a shaped gold initial escutcheon, the underside of the butt and central ramrod pipe with sling eyes, and brass mounted ramrod with worm.

Fine. The barrels retain 98% rebrowned finish with a small rub mark on the underside of the left barrel towards the muzzle. Rib signatures clear, the bluing on the rear express sight has been renewed, the engraving remains clear. Breeches mostly a dark patina with some original casehardening showing through on the underside. The locks and furniture have mostly crisp and clear engraving throughout, the engraved stag on the patch box cover is particularly detailed and fine, with the metal a lightly discolored grey patina. Some areas of minor oxidation/pitting are present. Stock has storage and handling marks to the left side of the butt, occasional other scattered minor marks throughout. Checkering is crisp. Mechanically excellent. Overall, a beautifully detailed early Alexander Henry rifle. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.