3526

SCARCE 1877 CONTRACT ALEXANDER HENRY PATENT BREECH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
SCARCE 1877 CONTRACT ALEXANDER HENRY PATENT BREECH
LOADING MILITARY RIFLE MADE FOR THE COLONIAL GOVT. OF NEW SOUTH WALES. Cal. 577/450. S# 647. Bbl. 34". This rifle is part of the 6th order placed to contractors for the Henry patent military rifle. The contract was to National Arms & Ammunition Co. LTD for 1,000 carbines, 100 short rifles & 500 long rifles. There is no known example of an 1877 carbine, so it is assumed that part of the order was not completed. S#s of known examples dated 1877 run from #221-1551 so it is assumed the carbine order was changed to more short rifles as there are quite a few of those known to survive. This long rifle has 34" tapered rnd. bbl. w/ Nock form at breech end stamped w/ S# & proofs on left side. Usual ladder type rear sight & steel blade front sights are fitted. Single shot dropping block action w/ back spring left hand non rebounding lock marked “HENRY’S” & “PATENT” on left side, right side marked “N. A & A. Co. Ld.” “1877”. Straight grip buttstock w/ steel buttplate stamped w/ broad arrow & “108” on right side of butt. Forend extends to w/ in 3" of muzzle w/ steel cap, has well shaped side panels at breech end & is secured to bbl. w/ 2 steel bands. Rear has bottom screw to clamp in place & front w/ driven pin. Front band also has bayonet lug marked w/ this rifles S# & sling loop, which matches loop on bottom of buttstock. CONDITION: good to fine as partially refinished, bbl. retaining approx. 60% original blue. Action & other steel hardware cleaned to silver over some light pitting. Stocks have a heavy coat of later varnish, which almost obscures markings on butt. Bright, shiny bore. Action is smooth. Lock is crisp. (01-19341/MGM). ANTIQUE. $2,500-3,500.