The" correct period" sling swivel studs on your Henry double rifle may not be what you expect; as in the late 1800's through the early 1900's (you do not indicate when your Henry double rifle was built) when British double rifles with slings attached appeared the slings were not detachable. In fact the slings were canvas straps (and maybe leather) of a 1 1/2 inch or more in width and at each end of this strip was a leather strip of about 1/4 inch width by about 8 inches long. The sling was tied onto an "eyelet" at the barrels and a similar eyelet at the butt stock via these two 1/4" x 8" long leather strip. The two eyelets had internal diameter opening of about 5/16" inch allowing the 1/4" wide strip to be tied in a loop of 5-6 loops securely to the eyelets.
Page 142 of the book "ALEXANDER HENRY --Rifle Maker" by Donald Dallas has a photo of Henry double rifle serial number 2977 built in 1873 with the eyelet I have described above and page 153 illustrates the same type eyelet in the butt stock of rifle number 5317 built in 1882 as well as page 155 illustrates a pair of double riles numbers 5871/5872 built in 1885 with the same type eyelets; page 176 of this same book has a copy of an advertisement of 1903 which illustrates the non-detachable sling swivel to fit a 1 inch wide leather sling strap. I think you can assume with some confidence that a Henry double rifle built before say 1895 will have the described eyelets described in the paragraph above. It is interesting to note that on page 167 of this same book a Manton double rifle advertisement of 1909 illustrates the large 5/16 inch inside diameter eyelets on their 8, 10 and 12 bore double rifle. I have seen photos of double rifles made in the 1920-30's with these large eyelets. Look at the photo of Mike Harrell's .577 European double rifle at the post below yours and you will see what the sling swivel looks like on page 176 of the A. Henry book. Also look at the post below yours with the photos of the Grant double rifle and you will see the eyelets I have described although they do not appear to be of large inside diameter---they will help you to understand the principle.
The tie on sling were desired as they make no noise as do slings with metal swivel attachments; however, it should be noted that experienced dangerous game hunters would never have a sling attached to their double rifle while stalking as it was too dangerous and one risked death if the sling caught on something during the charge of such a dangerous animal.
I had such a leather sling made for me to duplicate the period style as well as I made the two eyelets attached underneath the barrel and at the butt stock.
If you do not have a copy of the Alexander Henry book and want to see photos of the eyelets and the sling on one of my rifles send me a private message and your email address and I will send you photos.
Kind Regards;
Stephen Howell
Last edited by bushveld; 01/21/24 04:58 PM.
