Historic Henry double rifle displayed for 1st time

[RichB]

The Henry double rifle, commissioned by Queen Victoria as a Christmas for John Brown, has been bought by the National Museum of Scotland and will be displayed in public for the first time this summer, from 26th June until November.

https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/culture ... irst-time/?

https://www.nms.ac.uk/wildandmajestic

I have a letter from Henry to Brown dated 1876, where he suggests Brown should bring his rifle with him to Edinburgh, for it to be serviced.

Queen Victoria was on a royal visit to unveil the Prince Albert Memorial in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.

[Gundog]

What a stunning addition to the National Museum, fabulous workmanship by Alex Henry so typical from the man, cased to perfection, the case being lined with Kid skin, with what looks to be a full compliment of accessories, absolutely fabulous!!

Thank you RichB for your post it certainly grabbed my attention!!

[RichB]

I hope to get my (albeit white-gloved) hands on it before it goes in the case ! Come up to see it!

[Gundog]

You’re related to Alex Henry I’m sure, what a privilege that must be.

The museum would not have got their hands on it before me if I was in your shoes, but it’s a tribute to Mr Henry that the National Museum will treasure it for ever and it will be displayed so the Scottish people can view their heritage built by a master craftsman, so long as I pay I’m sure they will admit an English person!!

I wonder if John Brown ever fired the 450 double ?

If I had been the previous owner it would have remained my property and bequeathed to my family to be handed down through the generations.

[RichB]

It was sold for £35k a couple of years ago then again in the US for something like £28k or so ... I.e. a loss...

I wish I wanted to spend that kind of money !

Yes I’m AH’s great great grandson.

[RichB]

https://youtu.be/jx9B99zpdcU

[Gundog]

“Ah” Richard Brown I thought I recognised something about the post, and yes I have viewed the video with a Donald Dallas a few times.

If I had that amount (the latter amount of course) doing nothing I’m afraid it would have been coming ‘home’.

[ovenpaa]

Is the one that was recently repaired/restored (Last 3 years) before leaving the UK

[Gundog]

Is the one that was recently repaired/restored (Last 3 years) before leaving the UK

Personally I know nothing more about the rifle than we see here in the post by RichB, perhaps he will respond to the question and let us know, that is if RichB knows about any restoration?

[RichB]

I wasn't aware of it having been restored - I'll ask Donald Dallas. There was huge detail on it when it was sold at James Julia, a couple of years ago. Before that it was sold at Bonham's, as I remember. I'll have a scout around.