doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Mysterious Alex Henry single shot

This Alex Henry has been a subject of a discussion, and hope someone here can shed some light on it

https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2946M/lots/40

The listing states that it's an Alex Henry from the 1870s, "retailed by Purdey".

Alex Henry's name is on the locks, while Purdey's South Audley street address is on the barrel. I find this to be an extraordinary arrangement, since -to the best of my knowledge- guns "retailed by Purdey" were left with original markings, only with an "A" prefix added. I have not seen one where Purdey engraved their name on the barrel like this.

Also Purdey started trading at the Audley Street address in 1883, which does not fit the description that the gun is from the 1870s.

Note that guns "retailed by Purdey" are different to the B, C, D, and E quality guns made from the late 19th century till before WW1. Those B, C, D, E guns all bore Purdey's name only, and were mostly made in Birmingham for the London firm. They did not bear other makers' names like the Alex Henry discussed here.

What do you think?

Purdey did retail some Henry single shots.
In this case, I think they just rebarreled it. The .303 chambering is not contemporary to the action.
WC-

Thank you, sir!

I definitely would not know, but it may be worth the effort to see if the barrel has a Purdey serial number on it somewhere. The metal work appears expeditiously prepped, and I'd suspect that someone recut the engraving on the receiver. It has the feel of a parts gun that got a take off barrel that was sitting around for just the right project.

I don't think original Purdey work would have such a finish mismatch between the barrel and the receiver. The auction is long over, but I'd hope there were multiple many times more usable pictures, or the buyer had a chance to look it over in person. In just a little bit there should be a new book out about Alex Henry, I wonder if that ser. number will have an entry and a bit of info.

Of course, there are many fakes around.
I have 2 "Francotte" doubles, that never were remotely close to the Francotte shop.
WC-

Hi - I'm Henry's great great grandson, and have been collaborating with Donald Dallas on his book, out in a fortnight, "Alexander Henry Rifle Maker". You'll have been my posts elsewhere here.

All 8000+ Henry rifles and shotguns are listed at the back of the book, and - having read out each and every line of the 8000 - twice ! when checking them over - I can promise you that Henry made items - usually barrels which were sent to Purdey - not many but some. Those that were are recorded in the book.