Alexander Henry Best Gun

[Mike Webb]

Recently picked up a lovely old gun, a Henry built 12 gauge sxs underlever. In really top condition considering its over 150 years old. Non rebounding hammers, back action locks, Jones underlever. Bores are very good, no blackpowder pitting, fine Damascus barrels with no dents. A member on here who has forgotten more about old doubles than most of us know was kind enough to examine pics. Told me definitely Best quality gun if not built personally by Alexander Henry then under his direct supervision. Action is tight as a new gun and don't think a screw has been turned. Here's a few pics for those interested.

 

[WR1894]

Alex Henry made some top quality guns for sure, i have a C quality single shot which hasn't got a lot of engraving but still a very will built rifle

 

[Mike Webb]

Second to none as far as quality goes. Fantastic workmanship. Sad part is there are few who really appreciate it.

 

[powderman]

That's a nice shotgun! Thanks for posting.

Regards,
powderman

 

[Steppenwolf]

Beautiful shotgun, thanks for posting.

 

[Mike Webb]

Learned from Pinfire, a member here that John Dickson and Sons in Scotland possess the records for Alexander Henry and several other Scottish makers. They informed me they have records for this gun. For a small fee they are sending me a letter of provenance plus a copy of the original Henry ledgers noting who ordered it, when and what specifications were requested by the customer. Just waiting on the info from Dicksons.

 

[WR1894]

I got the information on one of the single shots which was used for sealing I had, they send a copy of the page from the ledger so i ended up with a few guns around 5648

 

[brybenn]

Gorgeous. I find this exact setup to be the best looking of all shotguns

 

[Mike Webb]

Gun was ordered in 1867 by the Earl of Stair in Scotland for an R Douglas Campbell however records indicate the order was canceled and gun was delivered to a Dr. Allan. Notations in Henry ledger identifies it as a Best gun, center fire (as opposed to pinfire which were still very popular), 30 inch barrels, lefecheau under lever, with specific length of pull, drop at heel and comb.

 

[ParksPipes]

Gun was ordered in 1867 by the Earl of Stair in Scotland for an R Douglas Campbell however records indicate the order was canceled and gun was delivered to a Dr. Allan. Notations in Henry ledger identifies it as a Best gun, center fire (as opposed to pinfire which were still very popular), 30 inch barrels, lefecheau under lever, with specific length of pull, drop at heel and comb.

Beauty!

 

[Steppenwolf]

This UK site has some beautiful guns and interesting articles.
https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/magazine

 

[tula]

You need to post this thread over in sporting shotguns. I know some guys in that would be interested in seeing that.

 

[B_noser]

Just posting a link would work

 

[Mike Webb]

The cost of a gun like this in 1867 was mind boggling by today's standards. The original Alex Henry ledgers note 106 lbs and some odd shillings. I have been told that a well established engineer at the time would make 200 Pounds a year. Take a professional engineers salary now and divide by two. Not cheap.