Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***

Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Double Rifles

Pages: 1
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family
      #327326 - 16/04/19 03:42 AM

Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the family

Hello All.

This is my first Alexander Henry Double rifle, and my second double rifle in 450/400 3-1/4" caliber.

The pictures that I have shown below appeared in the James Julia Auction from about 5 years ago. I used these pictures because they show a lot of detail and are much better than I could take with my camera.

This rifle was built in May of 1919 and it is listed on page 318 in the book "Alexander Henry, Rifle Maker". Listing shows; "D/H/L/R" (double hammerless rifle) and "A&D" (Anson & Deeley boxlock)

The auction description lists all the pertinent details.

I can't wait to get to the range to see how this one performs.

I'd be curious to hear what people think the "value" would be. I really don't know the value because I swapped a couple of Sabatti's to acquire it.

As always, your comments are most welcome.

( As a side note, the barrel stamping looks like an "80" )



















--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26941
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #327330 - 16/04/19 06:24 AM

Looks like a deep stamp to me, buckstix. The top "circle" if an '8', would/should be the same diameter as the bottom one, it isn't - it is smaller.
If enlarged, ctrl button and + several times, is obviously a 6 - not an 8. The top barrel (right) is the one looking more like an 8, with a smaller top circle, however, when expanded to maximum, I see a small gap where the end of the top "tail" of the number 6 stops & doesn't quite meet the rounded bottom circle.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
93x64mm
.416 member


Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 4178
Loc: Nth QLD Australia
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #327331 - 16/04/19 06:26 AM

I can see why you're confused mate, the bottom barrel certainly appears to be marked '60' whilst the top appears as an '80' to me - might be best to write away for that one & verify the loads first.
I suppose you could still start at the 'tropical' level & see if it regulates there, the barrels will tell you what they like anyway.
Apart from that you have a gorgeous piece of history there mate; an amazing piece to say the least!
I do love the 450NE as 'the cartridge' for DG, but this is in my eyes a true working double, yes just a little fancy - but not over the top at all......bloody corker she is!!!
Done it again Buckstix - can't wait for the 'loads' to come out!
Cheers


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
4seventy
Sponsor


Reged: 07/05/03
Posts: 2210
Loc: Queensland Australia
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #327333 - 16/04/19 07:12 AM

Hi Buck,
Wow your collection of classic rifles is still growing strong!
There was never any 80 grain Cordite load for the 450-400 3 1/4" NE.
The barrels are definitely both marked 60 grains not 80.

I see the description says the action is a PHV-1, but that is not correct.
The PHV-1 is a Webley design and is different in many ways to what is shown in the photos.

The action of this rifle looks similar to the trade actions which were used by many makers back then, but is not by Webley.

I bet you are keen to see how she shoots!
Please keep us informed.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: DarylS]
      #327334 - 16/04/19 07:13 AM

Quote:

Looks like a deep stamp to me, buckstix. The top "circle" if an '8', would/should be the same diameter as the bottom one, it isn't - it is smaller.
If enlarged, ctrl button and + several times, is obviously a 6 - not an 8. The top barrel (right) is the one looking more like an 8, with a smaller top circle, however, when expanded to maximum, I see a small gap where the end of the top "tail" of the number 6 stops & doesn't quite meet the rounded bottom circle.



Hello Dary_S

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I see what you mean. I couldn't imagine an 80g load since I couldn't find any references other than 55g and 60g. I learned some thing new today .... "Control button +" ... never knew that. Thanks

Quote:

I can see why you're confused mate, the bottom barrel certainly appears to be marked '60' whilst the top appears as an '80' to me - might be best to write away for that one & verify the loads first.
I suppose you could still start at the 'tropical' level & see if it regulates there, the barrels will tell you what they like anyway.
Apart from that you have a gorgeous piece of history there mate; an amazing piece to say the least!
I do love the 450NE as 'the cartridge' for DG, but this is in my eyes a true working double, yes just a little fancy - but not over the top at all......bloody corker she is!!!
Done it again Buckstix - can't wait for the 'loads' to come out!
Cheers



Hello 93x64mm

Thanks for the reply.

I didn't have much use for the 450/400 until I got one. Now I kind-of like it as a "fun" departure from my 577, 600, and 700.

I already wrote Dickson to get the details. I'll be sharing what I find.

Quote:

Hi Buck,
Wow your collection of classic rifles is still growing strong!
There was never any 80 grain Cordite load for the 450-400 3 1/4" NE.
The barrels are definitely both marked 60 grains not 80.

I see the description says the action is a PHV-1, but that is not correct.
The PHV-1 is a Webley design and is different in many ways to what is shown in the photos.

The action of this rifle looks similar to the trade actions which were used by many makers back then, but is not by Webley.

I bet you are keen to see how she shoots!
Please keep us informed.




Hello 4seventy,

Thanks for the reply.

The collection of double rifles isn't growing. Since I traded 2 for 1, it actually shrank from 23 to 22.

I don't even know what a "PHV-1" is. That is the notation in the Julia Auction listing, not in the Alexander Henry book. This action has a "tapered doll's head" with a "Scott's hidden bite" at the step.





--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
4seventy
Sponsor


Reged: 07/05/03
Posts: 2210
Loc: Queensland Australia
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #327346 - 16/04/19 01:46 PM

PHV-1

The photo link shows a Rigby DR with a Webley PHV-1 action.
Note the many differences compared to your Alex Henry.

To highlight a few.....

Rib extension and third bite
Action bottom plate
Trigger plate
Cocking lever screw/pin location
Through lump
Hinge pin (Integral Hinge Pin on the PHV-1)
Fore-end release etc etc

Hope this helps



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: 4seventy]
      #327347 - 16/04/19 02:33 PM

Quote:

PHV-1

The photo link shows a Rigby DR with a Webley PHV-1 action.
Note the many differences compared to your Alex Henry.

To highlight a few.....

Rib extension and third bite
Action bottom plate
Trigger plate
Cocking lever screw/pin location
Through lump
Hinge pin (Integral Hinge Pin on the PHV-1)
Fore-end release etc etc

Hope this helps






Hello 4seventy,

Thanks for the reply.

OK ... thanks

I read on one of the forums that actions that were built by Webley had a number stamped on the left side of the forearm hanger. Do you know anything about that?

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
4seventy
Sponsor


Reged: 07/05/03
Posts: 2210
Loc: Queensland Australia
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #327348 - 16/04/19 03:20 PM

Hi Buck,
Yes I remember reading about the number on the hanger too.
Sorry but I can't offer any details on that.
The last Webley DR I owned was sold about 20 years ago.

Capt Curl has owned a few Webley DR's and might chime in with some info for you.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Huvius
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3554
Loc: Colorado
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: 4seventy]
      #327350 - 16/04/19 03:37 PM

Looks like a Webley A&WC action.
Closed it has the signature “clipped spade” shape to the doll’s head.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
4seventy
Sponsor


Reged: 07/05/03
Posts: 2210
Loc: Queensland Australia
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: Huvius]
      #327352 - 16/04/19 04:55 PM

That Alex Henry is definitely not an A&WC Webley.

The action on that AH is very similar to the trade actions seen on some Manton doubles and others which also have the clipped spade dolls head. They differ considerably to the PHV-1 and A&WC Webley's though.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
4seventy
Sponsor


Reged: 07/05/03
Posts: 2210
Loc: Queensland Australia
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: Huvius]
      #327355 - 16/04/19 06:51 PM

Huvius, here is a link to an A&WC Webley from the DR photo archive here.
It is one of Curl's beautiful doubles.

Buck, one of the photos in this link shows the Webley number on the fore-end hanger that you asked about.

A&WC


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
RichB
.275 member


Reged: 01/07/17
Posts: 94
Loc: Edinburgh
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: 4seventy]
      #327356 - 16/04/19 08:15 PM

Buckstix … you OK if I add the serial number to my inventory ??

--------------------
Alexander Henry's great great grandson
Collaborator on book Alexander Henry Rifle Maker by Donald Dallas


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: RichB]
      #327361 - 16/04/19 10:20 PM

Quote:

Hi Buck,
Yes I remember reading about the number on the hanger too.
Sorry but I can't offer any details on that.
The last Webley DR I owned was sold about 20 years ago.

Capt Curl has owned a few Webley DR's and might chime in with some info for you.



Hello 4seventy,

Thanks for the reply.

Heres a picture of the number on my rifle's hanger. 57116 (?)


.
.

Also, my rifle has a similar feature to the one posted by CptCurl. (see red arrows) I wonder if this may be a clue to the actual maker.


.
.
.

Quote:

Buckstix … you OK if I add the serial number to my inventory ??



Hello RichB

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, feel free to record the serial number. I'll post additional information when I hear back from Dickson.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26941
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #327369 - 17/04/19 04:03 AM

Cool pics, buckstix as well as ctrl +, ctrl 0 (zero) bring the enlarged picture & page back to normal, at any time.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Wayne59
.400 member


Reged: 20/06/15
Posts: 1219
Loc: Lagrange Ga. USA
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: DarylS]
      #327381 - 17/04/19 11:55 AM

Same proof as my 450/400/3". My load is 60gr 3031 a tuft of Kpoc and a 400gr wooliegh. Slug your Bore. Some of them are .408 and some are .410. Both bullets are available. I forgot to mention use a magnum primer. Hope this helps.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
CptCurlAdministrator
.450 member


Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5284
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: Wayne59]
      #327463 - 19/04/19 08:56 PM

I'll help if I can, or at least muddy the waters.

This Henry is certainly not a Webley PHV-1 action. It doesn't even resemble a PHV-1.

Here's about as straight an example of the PHV-1 as can be found - a Charles Lancaster .280 Flanged NE I used to own. Charles Lancaster .280 Flanged NE. Most obvious is the difference in the doll's head third fastener and the fact that the operating spindle is set back from the third fastener.







Buckstix's rifle more resembles a Webley A&W-C as Huvius observes, but I see substantial differences there too. Again, from my collection here is a rifle I still own. It is about as straight an example of an A&W-C as you will find - my Gibbs .450 NE: Gibbs .450 NE.

The .303 linked above by 4seventy I still have also. It is a straight A&W-C, but it is built to much smaller proportions than the .450 scale action, so I thought the .450 NE is better for comparison.

There is a great similarity in some respects, which I'll point to.

First, the shape of the action balls suggests Webley.

Here's Buckstix's rifle:


Here's a Webley:


But on close inspection you see that the bottom lines of the action balls, the contours. are actually quite different.

Beyond that, there is an obvious difference in the depth of the two actions from the water table to the bottom of the action. Buckstix's is much deeper than the Webley. The reason for this is that the Webley is made much shallower by having the front lump pierce the action bottom.

Buckstix:



Webley:



Notice also how the bottom plate of the action is much smaller on the Webley. You can see the sides of the bars curve all the way around to the bottom of the action, whereas on Buckstix's rifle the action floorplate extends almost all the way to the corners of the action bars.

I also see a stark difference in the shape of the front of the trigger plate. On Buckstix's it appears to have parallel lines leading to the front radius. On the Webley the sides are noticeably tapered.

Finally, the action pin is quite different for reasons I cannot explain without a hands on inspection.

Comparing the top levers you see a set screw in the Webley where there is none in Buckstix's rifle.

Webley:


Buckstix:



I've never seen a Webley A&W-C that lacks this set screw.

Notice also the difference in the shape of the top tang. The Webley has a pronounced step on each side to reduce its width just ahead of the safety. Buckstix's rifle does not. I think this is typical of a Webley.


The number stamped on the forend hook is stamped on the side of the hook on all Webley's I have inspected or owned. Here's the stamp on my .303 linked above:



The stamp Buckstix shows is on the flat beside the hook:



Whether they did some one way and some another, I don't know. However, I will say this: The number on my .303 should be near the end of the line. It was made decades after Buckstix's Henry and is one of the last Webley double rifles made (1937). His much higher number is not a Webley number.



I also notice this rifle appears to have an Anson forend attachment. That's not typical of Webley at all.

In summary, I believe 4seventy is correct. I would not classify this rifle an A&W-C. There are distinct differences to the point that I don't believe it is made from the same forging as an A&W-C.

Who made it? I don't know. It certainly could be a product of Webley, or it could be somebody else. It certainly seems to co-op the A&W-C's distinctive screw grip third fastener, but by this time the patent on that feature was long expired.


Nothing I have said is intended to denigrate this fine rifle. I am only speaking to the differences I see in its design compared to a Webley.

As for loads, I would stay away from IMR3031. There have been too many unexplained blow-ups of double rifles using that powder. It might be safe, but the blow-ups are historical fact. I would follow Graeme Wright's guidance.

In my .450-400 3-1/4" NE (a wonderful Greener Facile Princeps), I am loading 84.5 grains of IMR4831 behind the Woodleigh 400 grain soft nose and a Fed. 215 primer. That load is safe in my rifle and regulates. As they say, always start a little lighter and work up!

Curl

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

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: CptCurl]
      #327469 - 19/04/19 10:51 PM

Hello CptCurl,

Thanks for the reply.

I appreciate your going into such detail about my rifle's construction. According to the "Alexander Henry, Rifle Maker" book, all double rifle actions produced after Alex Martin acquired the Henry name, were made for them (either partial or complete) by others in the Birmingham gun trade.

I was hoping the "clipped spade" rib extension with the hidden 3rd bite, and perhaps the chopper lump construction, might be a clue as to the maker. So far I havent't found any other makes with that clipped spade rib extension. Is it possible that Webley made actions for the trade that had fewer embellishments than others?

It really makes no difference because I like the rifle's "look" and balance, but it would be interesting to know how it came to be.

Are there any other features that I might examine to determine the possible maker?

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
CptCurlAdministrator
.450 member


Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5284
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #327474 - 20/04/19 01:44 AM

Hi Buckstix,

I don't know the answer to your question. About all I know is set out in my comparison above.

The clipped spade on your double is certainly a dead ringer of a Webley. Perhaps it was made by Webley.

Dallas' Alexander Henry reference book shows your rifle as having been completed May 11, 1919. Webley was still producing their A&W-C at that time. My gut feeling is that if it were a Webley it would be an A&W-C and would look just like my .450NE Gibbs.

Others with more knowledge of the various makers can answer better than I.

It's certainly a nice rifle, no matter who made it.

Curl

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

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
3DogMike
.400 member


Reged: 29/01/15
Posts: 1464
Loc: Western Slope, Colorado USA
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: CptCurl]
      #327486 - 20/04/19 03:05 AM

An interesting treatise on the Anson & Deeley boxlock action.
More than one maker and some were very similar in styling details.

https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/articles/462-2/not-just-another-boring-boxlock/

- Mike

--------------------
"Will Rogers never met a fighter pilot"
- Anon

“Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake."
-- W. C. Fields


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: 3DogMike]
      #328460 - 17/05/19 09:17 PM

Hello All,

Well, I finally finished working up a load for this old Alex Henry.

I experimented with a lighter than usual bullet, because I wanted to keep recoil to a minimum. There's no need to bash-the-heck out of this 100 year old classic, since I have another 450-400 3-1/4" that shoots great with the standard 400g bullet load. This 300g load has over 10 ft/lbs less recoil and is fun to shoot. I'm pretty happy with the final results.

.



--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26941
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #328470 - 18/05/19 02:25 AM

Good enough for "Government Work". Looking pretty good!

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: DarylS]
      #328593 - 20/05/19 10:29 PM

Hello All,

Well, I finally received a response from John Dickson about my inquiry as to the history of this rifle. They charge £35 to provide a digital copy of the record entry for the gun, which shows the details of the complete specification of the rifle, the date of delivery, and who ordered it. I'm told I will have the information by this Thursday.

I'm hoping to discover it belonged to some famous hunter. Many early professional hunters used a 450-400. For example; Jim Corbet, who used a Jeffery 450-400. I've got my fingers crossed.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
jvw
.300 member


Reged: 15/05/08
Posts: 101
Loc: Australia
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #328596 - 20/05/19 11:30 PM

Corbett's rifle is in a private collection in the US.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
buckstix
.400 member


Reged: 07/11/12
Posts: 1237
Loc: Whitetail Country
Re: Alex Henry 450/400 3-1/4" NE Double Rifle joins the Family [Re: buckstix]
      #328857 - 26/05/19 11:19 PM

Quote:

Corbett's rifle is in a private collection in the US.



Hello jvw,
Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I knew that. Corbet's rifle was made by Jeffery, not Alexander Henry.


Quote:

Hello All,

Well, I finally received a response from John Dickson about my inquiry as to the history of this rifle. They charge £35 to provide a digital copy of the record entry for the gun, which shows the details of the complete specification of the rifle, the date of delivery, and who ordered it. I'm told I will have the information by this Thursday.



.
.

Well, here is the information I finally received from John Dickson. Its nice to have received a photo copy of the original 1919 ledger entry. Now all that's left to do is to research for history about "A.McGregor, Esq.".



--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1



Extra information
0 registered and 92 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  CptCurl 

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 6652

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved