Fine Modern & Antique Arms - November 2023 : Sale A1123 Lot 721
A .577/.450 WESTLEY RICHARDS CONTRACT ALEXR. HENRY FALLING-BLOCK SERVICE RIFLE, no visible serial number,

Product Details

A .577/.450 WESTLEY RICHARDS CONTRACT ALEXR. HENRY FALLING-BLOCK SERVICE RIFLE, no visible serial number,
with slightly later 33 1/4in. barrel marked 'HENRYS PATENT RIFLING', block and blade fore-sight, elevating ladder rear-sight, slab-sided falling block receiver marked on the right face 'W.R.A. & A. Co.' over the date and 'HENRYS PATENT on the left, plain left hand mounted external hammer lock signed 'ALEX'R HENRY', walnut butt-stock (bruised and scratched) with iron furniture, walnut full-length fore-end with two iron barrel-bands, nose-cap and clearing rod, the front barrel band with bayonet lug

Provenance: It is believed that an order for 2500 rifles and carbines sold to the Government of New South Wales for police and military use were all sub-contracted to Westley Richards by Alex. Henry in 1871. All were initially chambered in 3 1/4in. Boxer Henry Long-Chamber and took the coiled brass case, but they were all rechambered in 1877 or 1878, the rifles to .577/.450 and the carbines to .450 2 1/2in.



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Estimate £600-900

Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament