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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

D-Damn H-Henry, No ears!
#163819 - 11/07/10 06:09 AM

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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baileybradshaw
.333 member

Reged: 21/06/08
Posts: 305
Loc: Diana, TX

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#163820 - 11/07/10 06:30 AM

A-Awesome! You have a fine group of Henrys Curl.

--------------------
www.bradshawgunandrifle.com

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: baileybradshaw]
#163821 - 11/07/10 06:47 AM

T-Thanks, B-Bailey,

Might as well put out the F-F-Fat one too!

Heck, they're all over the L-L-Living Room!

C-C-Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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Watson577
.300 member

Reged: 05/03/09
Posts: 132
Loc: Fredericksburg, Virginia USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#163822 - 11/07/10 06:49 AM

Roscoe,

Nice rifle! Thank you for uploading those pictures.

regards,

Jim

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AkMike
.416 member

Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Watson577]
#163823 - 11/07/10 07:20 AM

Keep them together like that and maybe they'll breed and you can sell off the young`uns! Put me on the list! I only have 2 and they haven't bred yet.

Beautiful collection Capt Curl.

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

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CHAPUISARMES
.416 member

Reged: 16/01/08
Posts: 2908
Loc: DUBBO, NSW, AUSTRALIA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: AkMike]
#163824 - 11/07/10 08:13 AM

S-Shit, L-Lovely rifles, it is good to see such beauties in the hands of some-one who cares about them.

Beautiful Curl, well done.

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

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kamilaroi
.400 member

Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CHAPUISARMES]
#163825 - 11/07/10 08:43 AM

That's a nice secretaire you have as well.

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Anonymous
Unregistered

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: kamilaroi]
#163829 - 11/07/10 12:02 PM

I think I just drooled on myself

Fine specimens Roscoe you must be very pleased, congratz my friend.

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baileybradshaw
.333 member

Reged: 21/06/08
Posts: 305
Loc: Diana, TX

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: ]
#163833 - 11/07/10 02:03 PM

Well,

Looks like you have no room to put your feet up with all of those Henrys. I will do the only gracious thing a man of my meager moralistic fortitude could do and allow you to bequeath the smaller of the two hammer Henrys unto my possession.

You can thank me later....

--------------------
www.bradshawgunandrifle.com

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: baileybradshaw]
#163873 - 12/07/10 10:42 AM

Just for fun, let's turn this into a poll. Bailey's comment has spurred my curiosity. The purpose of this poll is to determine the differential preference for hammer vs. hammerless rifles.

The first two rifles are very similar except for one being a hammer gun.

Similarities:
* They are by the same maker, Alexander Henry.
* They are made to the same high standard.
* They both have Jones type actions.
* They both have damascus barrels, Henry rifled, with near perfect bores.
* They both are .450 3 1/4" BPE.
* They both have lever forend latches.
* They both have georgeous wood.
* They both have heel and toe plates on each side of a checkered butt.
* They were made about the same time.
* They both remain in excellent condition with their original finishes.

Obviously, one has external hammers and the other is a "new-fangled" hammerless rifle.

Here's the poll question:

If you were offered the privilege of selecting one of these rifles, taking it home to be your very own - not to be sold, but to be kept by you - which would you walk away with?

In other words, would you take the hammer double rifle or the hammerless double rifle? Would you take the one with ears or the one without ears?

For the purpose of this poll you must disregard the .577 BPE (the "fat" one).

Let me assure you it would be a hard decision. I cannot just now say what I would do. I'm very fortunate to have them both.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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Watson577
.300 member

Reged: 05/03/09
Posts: 132
Loc: Fredericksburg, Virginia USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#163878 - 12/07/10 11:17 AM

Curl,

If I had that choice, I would take the hammer rifle over the hammerless. I have one hammerless double rifle but I do, in general, prefer double rifles with exposed hammers.

- Jim

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CHAPUISARMES
.416 member

Reged: 16/01/08
Posts: 2908
Loc: DUBBO, NSW, AUSTRALIA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Watson577]
#163881 - 12/07/10 11:39 AM

Hi Curl,

I guess what your asking is if a person was in Utopia what would he pick?? Well I still prefer the hammerless but that is the way that I was bought up but would be the proudest person to own either one of these beauties but like all dreams, you have to wake up. I hate reality....

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

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baileybradshaw
.333 member

Reged: 21/06/08
Posts: 305
Loc: Diana, TX

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CHAPUISARMES]
#163887 - 12/07/10 02:36 PM

Hammers!! The hammerless is great, but it's doesn't have the romance of the Henry hammer guns to me.

--------------------
www.bradshawgunandrifle.com

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gatsby
.375 member

Reged: 05/09/05
Posts: 862
Loc: inland valley CA USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#163889 - 12/07/10 05:25 PM

I love hammer guns but in this case there appears to be a bit more attention to detail in the engraving and the sleek lines of the hammerless win out.

--------------------
"Recoil is insignificant when there is a tiger on the head of your elephant" The Maharaja of Cooch Behar

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Paul
.400 member

Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: gatsby]
#163906 - 13/07/10 12:26 AM

I'll have the hammerless one, thanks, Captain. Having grown up with only a hammer gun until about 15, the mystery, sleekness, speed and safety of the hammerless always does it for me.

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Paul]
#163907 - 13/07/10 12:52 AM

So far it's:

Hammerless 3 - Hammers 2

Thanks for the responses so far. We need more participants for this to be a valid poll.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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baileybradshaw
.333 member

Reged: 21/06/08
Posts: 305
Loc: Diana, TX

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#163919 - 13/07/10 02:29 AM

Well that settles it. You can keep the more deireable rifle and allow me to bask in nostalgic excellence......

In all seriousness, very impressive trio of exceptional rifles. Congratulations.

--------------------
www.bradshawgunandrifle.com

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Anonymous
Unregistered

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: baileybradshaw]
#163923 - 13/07/10 04:44 AM

I much prefer hammerless and a side lever if I had a choice, or a underbreak like your Woodward for ease of use.

I find the jones to be a bit cumbersome in the field, but if you like tinkering with hammers and the jones it defiantly makes for some old romantic fun. AND there really beautiful to look at!

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TH44
.375 member

Reged: 21/02/09
Posts: 731
Loc: West UK

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: ]
#163933 - 13/07/10 09:11 AM

As this is imaginary, I will set my own rules and have the pair of hammer rifles!!

If only one, I would probably go for the less attractive hammerless, certainly if I was to use it in anger, although agree with generalwar re: the side lever. It would go well with my only A-H, a falling block

Many thanks for showing such good stuff, as usual

TH44

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: TH44]
#164034 - 14/07/10 09:32 AM

A couple of Scottish rifles ready for a trip abroad, India or Africa, with all their kit:

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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Watson577
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Loc: Fredericksburg, Virginia USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#164036 - 14/07/10 09:52 AM

Curl,

One of these days, I really want a rifle with all of the toys in the case:) You have two excellent examples there!

- Jim

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tinker
.416 member

Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Watson577]
#164079 - 14/07/10 04:44 PM

I need to clear a bit of a chip on my shoulder here.

*erhem*

To hell with your damn Henry rifles Curl!
If they make you so happy, ship those plain-jane Purdey rifles to me to make room for more of them if that'll make you more happy!

*erhem*

Shit.
Somehow that still doesn't help dissolve the creepy sense of jealousy I'm dealing with here.

Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--

"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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450_366
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Posts: 1068
Loc: Sweden, west-coast.

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#164086 - 14/07/10 05:05 PM

Damn your a lucky guy. I would walk away with that hammerless, those henrys have a look thats unmatched by any early doubles.

--------------------
Andreas

"Yeas it kicks like a mule he said, but always remember that its much worse standing on the other end"

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CptCurl
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Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: 450_366]
#167609 - 12/09/10 05:41 AM

A little more photography of this beautiful hammerless .450:

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

Edited by CptCurl (12/09/10 05:48 AM)

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470evans
.333 member

Reged: 30/03/05
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas, USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#167612 - 12/09/10 06:40 AM

WOW!!! That is one beautiful rifle!

Nice find Curl!

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AkMike
.416 member

Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: 470evans]
#167633 - 12/09/10 02:16 PM

Hammer guns are a dime a dozen compared to the hammerless ones, I'd guess. I really like my hammerless Henry. But my hammered falling block Henry is awfully nice too.

Flip a coin and decide!

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

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rigbymauser
.400 member

Reged: 15/05/05
Posts: 1970
Loc: Denmark

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: 470evans]
#167652 - 12/09/10 11:00 PM

I really like the hammerlessgun with jones underlever. You have a fine collection Curl

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MacNaughton360
.275 member

Reged: 10/12/07
Posts: 99
Loc: Indiana, USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: rigbymauser]
#167680 - 13/09/10 11:02 AM

For all practical purposes, the hammerless is probably better and safer in a dangerous situation.
That being said, however, I'd prefer the one with hammers myself. I like the classic lines.

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peter
removed

Reged: 11/04/07
Posts: 1493
Loc: denmark

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: MacNaughton360]
#167712 - 14/09/10 01:46 AM

roscoe

i fills my heart with joy that you have been bitten with the henry bug, as bad as you have.

to me there is no choise though, the alex henry hammerless action is a work of art that no other maker can ever come close to, somebody should remake that action

and offer it for sale to the general public again.

hammer rifles are fun and great to use, but to me there is no way they compare to this action.

so when you get tired of the hammerless, its two larger brothers are waiting for it in my den

best

peter

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mehulkamdar
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 3688
Loc: State of Ill-Annoy USA.

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#167853 - 16/09/10 09:11 AM

So who was the greater beauty - Marilyn Monroe or Grace Kelly?

You are one lucky devil, Roscoe, to have both!

Congratulations and good hunting, my friend!

--------------------
The Ark was made by amateurs. Experts built the Titanic.

Mehul Kamdar

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Buchsemann
.333 member

Reged: 12/12/08
Posts: 439
Loc: Wisconsin, USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: mehulkamdar]
#167955 - 18/09/10 05:59 AM

Curl,

Were you planning on bringing the subject earless Henry to the Vintagers next week?

Buchseman

--------------------
Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.

- John Dryden

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Buchsemann]
#167984 - 18/09/10 09:12 PM

I could.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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Chasseur
.375 member

Reged: 18/11/03
Posts: 771
Loc: Hunting classic Indian game!

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174327 - 28/01/11 07:05 PM

I'll take the hammered one Curly!

--------------------
In regards to action he should devote himself to hunting...
-Machiavelli

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Mike_Bailey
.400 member

Reged: 26/02/07
Posts: 2289
Loc: GB

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Chasseur]
#174333 - 28/01/11 09:02 PM

Man, I wish they could talk, some stories I bet. Senor Curl, have you looked up any history on the chap from the Shropshire regiment ? best, Mike

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Mike_Bailey]
#174342 - 28/01/11 09:49 PM

Mike, Actually not much. I think I did a quick Google search and found a few listings. There are people a lot better at this type of research than I.

Chasseur, It's good to see you back. Get your nose out of the books and back on NE.com. We miss you. You need to come to Virginia and play. It's not fun with you stuck out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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Mike_Bailey
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Reged: 26/02/07
Posts: 2289
Loc: GB

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174344 - 28/01/11 10:13 PM

Found him on Google, Hugh Lyle Smyth, born at Crabwall Hall, co. Chester on Friday 11th Feb 1870, Captain Shropshire Light Infantry, have to dig a bit deeper

best, Mike

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Mike_Bailey]
#174346 - 28/01/11 10:45 PM

That's interesting!

As I understand it, Hugh Lyle Smyth was the second owner of this rifle. I was told by the man I bought it from that it was originally made for Russian royalty. You can see from this closeup that originally the lid was embossed with a crown over an "H" and possibly a name or other inscription. Smyth had it cut out and his name inserted.

However, I have good evidence that Smyth owned the rifle as early as 23 August 1906. Contained in the case is its key, and on the key is an old, very yellowed identifying tag on which is written "23/8/06 Key of HL Smyth Esq guncase". I suppose the rifle was in the shop for cleaning or repair.

Priceless treasures, and snippets of history these are!

It would be interesting to learn about the "Crown over H" emblem. I am told that Dixon & MacNaughton will not give the names of original owners.

Curl

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rigbymauser
.400 member

Reged: 15/05/05
Posts: 1970
Loc: Denmark

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: 470evans]
#174348 - 28/01/11 11:48 PM

I really admire these fine guns..Regardless of ears or not, the backaction, jones underlever deliver gracefullness as all victorian style english doubles has. I admit here in writing I envy you a little..:LOL

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: rigbymauser]
#174349 - 28/01/11 11:55 PM

I agree. Recently I acquired a hammerless Purdey .303 with Beesley locks and "Lever over guard" (Jones underlever). It is superbly graceful. I'll do some photos on it soon.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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Buchsemann
.333 member

Reged: 12/12/08
Posts: 439
Loc: Wisconsin, USA

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174353 - 29/01/11 02:41 AM

Curl,

You certainly have been running into some fine firearms. They're all very very nice.

I'll be watching for more pictures to follow.

Regards,

Buchseman

--------------------
Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.

- John Dryden

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: Buchsemann]
#174358 - 29/01/11 03:48 AM

It's certainly possible Smyth put the rifle in storage on August 23, 1906. Maybe he was being assigned to duty in India. He couldn't take this rifle with him at that time because of the .45 caliber ban in India. That's probably when this rifle went into deep storage, as did many .45 caliber rifles owned by British officers.

If only the rifle could talk. . .

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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AkMike
.416 member

Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174359 - 29/01/11 04:23 AM

Capt. Curl.

My wife is from Ukraine and is very good at history. We've traveled around the FSU some and one of the stops made was at the Czars summer Palace at Yalta. (The same one that Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met at towards the end of WWII)
Czars Nicholas emblem was the royal crown you've shown (on your 'Smythe' rifle) With the cyrillic written "N" for Nicholas.

BUT that letter is written as an "H" in our latin.

A tour of the palace will show that almost everything there has this same emblem.

Oh if that rifle could talk!

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

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AkMike
.416 member

Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: AkMike]
#174360 - 29/01/11 04:51 AM

Have a look at the styleized emblem of the richest man in the world of that time here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czar_Nicholas_Romanov_II

The traditional double headed eagle is the Royal Emblem but the Crown 'H' was only for the Czar of the Russia's.

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

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CptCurl
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Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: AkMike]
#174362 - 29/01/11 05:30 AM

Well damn my abject ignorance!

Mike, you might be on to something here. I just did a search in Google Images and the emblem comes up many times.

I think I should twist some arms at Dixon & MacNaughton for information. Next I'll curse Hugh Lyle Smyth for defacing the Czar's rifle case!

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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AkMike
.416 member

Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174365 - 29/01/11 05:47 AM

Roscoe, I've been looking thru my pictures for the last hour or more trying to find the shots I took while visiting the Czars palace in Yalta. I guess I'll need to wait til the wife comes gome to find them.

They will show the crests that are there even on the walls!

Surf around for pictures of the Czar'spalace called Livadia
and you might find more.

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

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AkMike
.416 member

Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174366 - 29/01/11 05:51 AM

Quote:

Well damn my abject ignorance!

Next I'll curse Hugh Lyle Smyth for defacing the Czar's rifle case!

Curl

I think that I'd find his final resting place and pour a bottle of fine scotch on it... After I filter it thru my kidneys!

If this can be proven to have been made for Czar Nicholas he made a big mistake.

BTW did you know that Nicholas was first cousins to most of the European Royality? Even King George of England.

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

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kuduae
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Posts: 1775
Loc: middle of Germany

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174368 - 29/01/11 05:57 AM

No, I don't think this to be the distinctive two-lobed crown of the Russian Czar. What is left after Smyth had his name applied, points to a rather flat crown. Four pearl-adorned bands support a banded orb surmounted with a cross. If you look into
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_(heraldry)
, this type of crown was used as a symbol by many continental sovereigns, princes, dukes and so on. Many of such persons were named "H", Henry, Heinrich, Harald and so on. Most of the European nobility were related in one or several ways to Queen Victoria and other British nobility. Remember, until 1915 the House of Windsor was called House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha after the prince consort Albert.

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Chasseur
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Reged: 18/11/03
Posts: 771
Loc: Hunting classic Indian game!

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: AkMike]
#174369 - 29/01/11 05:57 AM

Hey Curly, I'll be posting more now. Got a little more free time.

You got to come out to the Pacific to stalk spotted deer and shoot Indian francolin!

--------------------
In regards to action he should devote himself to hunting...
-Machiavelli

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5271
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: kuduae]
#174370 - 29/01/11 06:52 AM

Quote:

No, I don't think this to be the distinctive two-lobed crown of the Russian Czar. What is left after Smyth had his name applied, points to a rather flat crown. Four pearl-adorned bands support a banded orb surmounted with a cross. If you look into
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_(heraldry)
, this type of crown was used as a symbol by many continental sovereigns, princes, dukes and so on. Many of such persons were named "H", Henry, Heinrich, Harald and so on. Most of the European nobility were related in one or several ways to Queen Victoria and other British nobility. Remember, until 1915 the House of Windsor was called House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha after the prince consort Albert.

Kuduae makes the point that this crown doesn't appear to be the two-lobed crown of the Russian Czar. That would be consistent with the timeframe. Nicholas II became the Czar May 26, 1896. This rifle was made before that date, I would think. So if it pre-dated his coronation, the embossed crown may represent the prince's crown. The Wiki link posted by Kuduae shows the various Russian crowns. The prince's crown is very similar and does not have two lobes.

Of course this is all speculation. I don't even know the date this rifle was made. Henry serial numbers basically tell you nothing about the date.

I guess I'll try to get something out of Dixon & MacNaughton. I wish Barry Wilcox were still there, because I'm sure he would oblige.

Curl

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AkMike
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Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: CptCurl]
#174372 - 29/01/11 07:11 AM

Please keep us posted!

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doublecollector
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Loc: Ohio

Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: 470evans]
#174409 - 29/01/11 11:20 PM

I have an Alexander Henry Hammerless double rifle in .450 express that is identical to yours. The patent number on it is 245 and the serial number is in the 6700 range. The records show that mine was built in August of 1893 for His Grace, The Duke of Portland. Yours, according to the patent number, would have been built earlier than 1893. I would suggest that you call Dickson & McNaughton and pay a small fee to have the information on your rifle E-mailed to you. They are very nice to deal with. I think that the rifle that you have was featured in an issue of Double Gun Journal a few years ago and is quite a unique collectable rifle. I have owned a number of British double rifles over the years and in my own opinion Alexander Henry rifles are equal in quality to the very best makers. They are built like a fine watch.

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kuduae
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Re: D-Damn H-Henry, No ears! [Re: AkMike]
#174494 - 31/01/11 09:42 AM

Regarding the continental prince's crown and the H, other candidates may be Heinrich prince of Prussia, younger brother of Wilhelm II, grandson of Queen Victoria as well and an avid hunter in his younger years, or Hubertus prince of Saxe-C-G, nephew of QV, or one of the many Heinrich Prince Reuss, also with close connections to Britain, or one of the many other German Fürsten/princes. Without documentation from Henry's ledgers it is all speculation, as CptCurl wrote.

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