I have an update on this topic.
I did see the gun this weekend and it is very nice. I am not sure where this gun came from but it doesn't show the wear that a gun this old should show. The blueing is not worn throuh on the barrel except the last 1/8th of an inch of the barrel. The rest of the metal looks good with only some minor wear on the bluing. The gun is very tight and smooth. The inside of the barrels are clean but don't give the indication that they have been polished. There is no pitting or rust of any kind that I can see.
This gun is not Damascus but rather English machine forged laminated steel, in three rods [a composition barrel]. It is labeled "Laminated Steel Belgium" on the top of the center piece of the barrels and "Choked" below this on the left barrel. It does not have the Damascus "marbling" look in the metal. In fact, it looks very smooth in coloration. I believe Damascus is also considered a composition barrel but with two rods instead of 3.
I cannot find a year of manufacture anywhere. This is labeled as Henry Arms Co. on each side of the gun on the metal plates that mount on the stock. Of course, this was made in Belgium and marketed in the US as Henry. The number (I am guessing serial or model number)is the same on the barrels, the receiver, and the front wood stock grip for the gun. This number is 45700.
I am now planning on having a good gunsmith examine the gun for any flaws or concerns. I also plan on having a machine shop do a magna flux on the gun to see if there is any signs of separation, etc. in the laminated steel barrels.
I haven't measured the chambers yet but I am betting that they are set for 2 1/2 inch shells. I am reluctant to have a gunsmith modify them to accept 2 3/4 inch shells. I have no plans to shoot standard shells through this gun and will only stick to black powder shells.
This is a beautiful gun for its age. If any of you guys can help me identify how old this gun is or anything else about it, I would greatly appreciate it. I am going to try to get some photos of the marks on the barrels, etc. and post here within the next week.
