The maker’s records confirm that this early Henry rifle was completed in 1858 and it is described and illustrated on p. 44 of “Alexander Henry. Rifle Maker” by Donald Dallas. With swamped browned Damascus octagonal barrel cut with two groove rifling with bead front sight, rear sight of one standing and three folding leaves graduated to “250” yards, fitted with the base for a folding ladder sight, and signed “EDINBURGH”. The underside of the barrel struck with Birmingham private black powder proof marks and barrelsmith’s mark of Bentley & Playfair. Casehardened patent breech with pierced platinum plug and engraved with a tiger’s head on the top flat. Scroll engraved standing breech and border and scroll engraved bar lock, the latter with reinforced hammer, safety catch and signed “A. HENRY”. Engraved furniture including pistol grip trigger guard engraved with a running stag on the bow, and buttplate engraved with a second running stag on the tang. Figured walnut half length stock with checkered grip and forearm, the latter with horn cap. The wrist is inset with a large gold oval initial escutcheon engraved with a stag crest and motto starting with "DOMINUS". Brass mounted ramrod with worm. In fitted mahogany case lined in green baize, the lid with printed Alexr. Henry trade label. With accessories including casehardened mainspring clamp, iron pincer type bullet mold serial numbered to the rifle, and leather wrapped Sykes powder flask. A photocopy of the Henry ledger entry for this rifle accompanies this Lot. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection

Fine as refinished. Barrel retaining 95% rebrowned finish with corrosion pitting visible beneath the finish, signature legible. Patent breech retaining 30% faded original casehardened finish, engraving clear, remainder a dark grey patina. Standing breech and lock bright, engraving mostly crisp. Furniture some scattered pitting, some wear to engraving. Stock has been refinished, well-defined checkering, cracked forend cap, and occasional old storage and handling blemishes. Mechanically excellent. Case in good condition with some storage marks to the exterior, interior in very good condition. Accessories generally in good condition.