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LOT 3549
Phenomenal Exhibition Quality Cased, Engraved, and Gold-Inlaid Alexander Henry .577 (Black Powder Express) Rotary Underlever Double Barrel Hammer Rifle Owned by Prime Minister Salar Jung of Hyderabad - Serial no. 4518, 577 BPE cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., gold inlaid/brown/ casehardened finish, checkered walnut stock. Serial number 4518 is listed in Donald Dallas, “Alexander Henry: Rifle Maker”, p. 289 and noted as completed on 31 July 1879. The accompanying letter from Alex. Martin Ltd. addressed to W. Keith Neal of April 11, 1962 confirms the date of completion and notes that the rifle was ordered by “Nawaub Skumsheer Jung” in .577 Express with 28 inch Damascus
barrels. Inside the case is a note indicating it belonged to Mir Turab
Ali Khan, Salar Jung I, who was Prime Minister of Hyderabad 1853-1883 and was succeeded by his son Salar Jung II. John Dickson & Son, who hold the Alexander Henry records, have kindly confirmed that the extensive gold inlay formed part of the factory order. The Damascus barrels are profusely decorated with gold-inlaid floral scrollwork and have a bead front sight and express three-leaf flat folding rear sight graduated for 100, 150, and 200 yards with gold-inlaid markings. The flat raised rib has an “SJ” monogram over Urdu script in gold inlay and is respectively signed “Alexr. Henry” and “London & Edinburgh.” on the barrels. The underside of the barrels with “AH” maker’s marks and London black powder proof
marks. The action and mounts feature gold inlays en suite with the barrels, and the back-action locks are each signed
“Alexr. Henry.” in gold and have a rebounding hammer and blued sliding safety. The grip-cap has a small hinged trap-cover. Well figured pistol grip stock with raised cheekpiece, checkered grip, forearm, and heel, a sling eye and vacant gold initial escutcheon to the underside of the butt, and heel, and toe-plates with further gold inlay en suite with the rest of the rifle. In an original deluxe oak and leather case with shaped brass corners, lined in regal purple, and with gilt-stamped red Morocco Alexander
Henry trade label. With accessories including leather wrapped Bartram rifle flask, bullet mold serial numbered to the rifle, loading tools including some gilt-brass Hawksley tools, and Hawksley pewter oiler. CONDITION: Very fine with bright gold inlays, 95% of the original brown finish remaining, distinct Damascus patterns, 60% plus of the original case colors remaining with more fading on the action and bright case colors on the locks, and generally minor age and storage related wear. The wood is also very fine with crisp checkering and some scattered storage and handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent. The case exterior exhibits moderate wear and is lacking straps, but the case interior and accessories are very fine with minor storage wear and staining. Bullet mold with patches of rust staining. Minor dents to the powder flask. The incredible double rifle is certainly among the finest arms manufactured by Alexander Henry in the late 19th century. Provenance: The Salar Jung Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection. Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
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