Alexander Henry Sealing Rifle?

T

Torandir

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Location
Newfoundland
So I have had this gun in the family for 50+ years and inherited it from my grandfather who loved to collect things from outport NL towns. It is what I believe to be an Alexander Henry rifle for sealing. I have another sealing designated rifle as well, a snider with the name of the ship (S.S Vanguard) engraved into the butt, more than likely my grandfather got these in the same place. I've never been able to find much info on what this is exactly, most Alex Henry falling blocks are way fancier than this, or are the military pattern from Australia or New Zealand. I do know it's in 450 3 1/4 Black Powder Express (Huge Cartridge) and actually have an original coiled cartridge and NL marked Brass cartridge to go with it. The outside of the reciever is pretty rough, with absolutely no finish left which is not suprising for salt water exposure around here. I've stripped it and tried to photograph any markings visable on metal or wood, but any more info would be greatly appreciated!

Album Link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/EH7cXcaBtF8Efhe46
 
Truly a fine piece of history.
Thank you for showing those photos.
Were it mine , I'd pass it on thru the family to the one's who care.

Cannot offer more other than Alexander Henry built rifles with history are gems and IMHO priceless.
 
Wonderful find, and in the expected condition due to the salt air and water. I have a couple in the same or worse shape.

Can't see the serial number or patent #, but if you can make them out, let me know and I'll provide a bit more info for your research.
 
I have one of the large single shot muzzleloading Newfoundland sealing guns. The ramrod tip was made from a long solid drawn .450 cartridge case.
 
Nice old rifle.

Why would such a large powerful cartridge be used for seal hunting? I thought clubs were used, I had no idea there was such a thing as a sealing rifle.
 
Where should I be looking for the serial number on this guy? looking at it in some better lighting, there are a few more numbers on wood and various other bits, one of them may be either of those two numbers. i'll see if i can use some china wax marker on the metal to make out those markings a bit better.
 
I have had a couple of sealing rifles but the 3 in this picture only one is still here which is the Daniel Fraser, here is a picture of 3 that i had at one time and some information i had on them

IMG_9625.jpg

Sealers

Daniel Fraser single shot rifle marked D & S Fraser 1881 to 1888
Caliber is 450 3 1/4 black powder express
This is a early Fraser all parts marked 7 so may be the 7th gun
Stock is marked SS Greenland
Greenland has one of the worst diasaters in Newfoundland sealing history


Alex Henry single shot made in Feb 1884
Caliber is 450 3 1/4 black powder express
Stock is marked SS Panther 7 so was number 7 gun for the SS Panther
Some of my reserach shows that the SS Panther was made in Scotland and was one of the first if not the first steamer used for sealing in Newfoundland

Other gun is a Fields single shot
Caliber is 450 3 1/4 black powder express
Stock marked SS Diana
Gun is in rough condition
 

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^ I was thinking walrus, elephant seal, sea lion etc.

I remember learning in university that this era of market “ sealing” had a huge effect of polar bear populations as well. On the other coast it almost the extinction of the sea otter.
 
So I have had a closer look for numbers and markings, Seems like the rifle might be serial number 12 as it's stamped on a large majority of parts (see photos in album). The barrel is either 66 or 99 depending which way is up. Not sure if this helps identify a bit more about this particular one. Never thought much about it other than it was neat and had some connection to here in NL. I've also tossed in a couple photos of the original 450 express cartridges I have. A real wealth of information on this forum, definitily why I love it!

Link Again:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/EH7cXcaBtF8Efhe46
 
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