The A. Henry arrived Monday. I have had a couple days to very briefly go over it. Time demands have stood in the way of more fondling.

It's absolutely magnificant. Aside from a couple of screws that had backed out a bit loose and out of place (as seen in the photos), it's in marvelous shape. I timed the screws right off.

Last night I did a chamber cast, including about 2" of barrel. The chambers are indeed 2 3/4".

Get this! The barrels are of course Henry rifled, but they have 10 lands and grooves, not the usual odd number. The first I've noticed with an even number. Ahead of the chamber my largest measurement across what could be classified "grooves" is .5875" - quite proper. Bores are nearly perfect with only the slightest evidence of use. It looks to make about 1/2 twist in the 28" of barrels.

The breech face shows almost no marks at all and certainly no flash-back pitting, corrosion pitting, or other malady.

The action is absolutely tight and on the face. Don't think any idiot fired NE rounds in it (unlike the last .577 BPE I considered buying).

The noses of the hammers have only the slightest marks, indicating very little firing over the many years.

The stock is in marvelous condition. No cracks, checks, or gross blemishes. Only slight handling marks. Beautiful English walnut and highly figured.

The brown finish on the damascus barrels shows only slight wear from handling, that being around the forend and just ahead of the forend where the barrels are grasped when firing.

The engraving is lovely, as it should be.

All finishes, both metal and wood, appear to be absolutely original and never "improved" or "restored".

I haven't cataloged the accessories yet, but will do so. I probably could use a bit of reference help with what should be there so I can identify anything missing. Aside from loading and cleaning tools I did notice a traditional bone or ivory screw-top container with spare firing pins, firing pin escutchions, and two other pins I cannot identify right off.

On my digital scales the rifle weighs 10.19 lbs., which converts to 10 lbs., 3 oz. precisely. The barrels weigh 5.81 lbs. or 5 lbs., 13 oz.

Now to gather up brass, modern loading dies, and cast some bullets! Interesting work ahead.

What a nice "big brother" to my Purdey .500 BPE.

More later,
Curl

Edited by Curl to correct chamber length.