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LOT 3458
Consecutive Numbered Pair of
Engraved Alexander Henry Underlever
Double Barrel “Howdah” Pistols
-A) Alexander Henry Double Barrel Pistol - Serial no. 3878, 36 cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Alexander Henry is best known for his work in the field of
rifles, especially his distinctive rifling that became the standard for the Martini-Henry Rifle adopted
by the British in 1871. These double barrel pistols are built similarly to the underlever double rifles of
the period. They are smaller bore than
the typical “howdah” pistols used for
defense against dangerous animals
such as tigers in the period. The barrels
has solid ribs with matted ramps holding the
bead style blade front sights, dovetailed notch
rear sights, and “A. HENRY. EDINBURGH PATENT No 2972.” (2973 on the second). The underside of the barrels have additional patent use numbers, the serial numbers and “AH” maker’s marks,
and Birmingham proof marks including the “105” bore marking for approximately .354 caliber. The serial numbers are also marked at checkered stocks and forearms. The locks are marked
“ALEXR HENRY” ahead of the sliding half-cock safeties. Fine scroll engraving is present on the frames, locks, hammers, levers, and triggerguards.
CONDITION: Very good overall with 20% original blue finish, traces of original case colors, gray and brown patina on the balance, moderate wear, small chips on the forearm, and distinct checkering and
engraving. The left safety has been partially repaired and is ineffective, but the pistol otherwise functions.
B) Alexander Henry Double Barrel Pistol - Serial no. 3879, 36 cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Very good overall with 30% original blue, traces of original case colors, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, moderate overall wear, absent forend tip inlay, a few chips on the wood,
repaired wrist, and distinct engraving and checkering. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3457
Factory Engraved J. Rigby & Co. Back Action Hammer Double Rifle with Factory
Letter Owned by John Aloa Jameson of the Jameson Whiskey Family - Serial no.
15336, 450/400 cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl., black/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The
included Authentication Certificate from Rigby lists this rifle as a “Best Central Fire double
rifle” with .400 bore, 26 inch barrels, Patent sights, an English case, 14 1/2 inch length of pull,
and a weight of 7 lbs. 9 oz. when the rifle was delivered on May 13, 1882, to J. A. Jameson. John Aloa
Jameson was the grandson of John Jameson, founder of Jameson Whiskey, and a noted hunter and friend
of the well-known professional hunter Frederick Courtney Selous. John hunted all around the world with his
brother James, hunting in the Montana and Wyoming Territories, Bombay, Kashmir, and in Africa. This rifle is nearly identical, albeit in a different caliber, to the rifle pictured in Robert Suder’s article
“The Last Trek”, right down to the flip-up tang peep sight that is referred to in the article as “a clever idea from James and valuable for distant game.” John famously participated in a long expedition
into Africa’s interior with Selous in 1887 collecting many specimens before returning home. According to the consignor, this rifle was purchased in 1953 by a Loa Otto Townsend and was then passed down through the family. The
rifle was built with blued steel barrels featuring a blade foresight with flip-up moon bead, Rigby’s patent sliding leaf rear sight graduated to 100, 200, and 300 yards, and “John Rigby & Co. Dublin & London” all on the hand filed flat
solid rib. The barrels also show the front sling stud, a single band of engraving at the breech, period London black powder proof marks, and chambers with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened action which
features a Jones patent underlever, double triggers, non-rebounding hammers, bar safeties, and a flip-up rear peep sight on the tang. The action displays attractive scroll engraving surrounding “J. Rigby & Co.” signatures on either
lockplate before spilling onto the hammers, trigger guard, lever, and tangs. The rifle is fitted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved iron and a Rigby patent release as well as a beautifully
figured pistol grip stock with the same checkering at the wrist, a horn grip cap, engraved steel sling stud, and a checkered steel buttplate. Includes a flat case with Rigby trade label containing a cleaning rod.
Length of pull 14 1/4 inches. Weight 7 lbs. 7 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% original black finish, some thinning and rubbing in the wear areas, strong traces of the original case colors on the action with the balance a fine silver patina, scattered minor spotting, and a few
light scratches. The wood shows some light dings and scratches and crisp checkering. The case is fair. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: John Aloa Jameson; Loa Otto Townsend; Private Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000