Seldom-seen is this British 1856 Pattern short rifle, sometimes referred to as a Sergeant’s Model rifle. Gunsmith Alexander Henry of Edinburg, Scotland produced this original short rifle in the early 1860s for the civilian trade. Likely made to satisfy those customers who wanted an exact copy of a government military arm, Henry used the 1856 pattern of a .577 caliber, fully stocked muzzle loading, quasi-military rifle with a three grooved rifle bore. Henry himself had a very interesting past and was the first signatory in the creation of an Edinburg rifle regiment called the “Queen’s City of Edinburgh Rifle Volunteers” organized in March of 1859. He outfitted the unit with these 1856 Pattern short rifles and was appointed the Regimental Quartermaster.

Often referred to as a ‘Volunteer Rifle’, this short rifle is in very good original condition. It is a single-shot, muzzleloading, three-grooved rifle that measures a total length of 49½” and features a 33” long barrel mated to a black walnut stock. Maker’s mark “Alex Henry Edinburgh” stamped on top of barrel at breech. The lockplate surface is dark gray and exhibits a mottled mild peppery look from scattered fine rust pitting. Hammer face lightly pitted. Lockplate edges are untooled. No original case colors visible. No lock markings back of the hammer but the lockplate exhibits the maker’s mark of “Alex HENRY” displayed in front of the hammer. All letters are clear and crisp. Mechanics are tight and strong.

Barrel surface appears to never have been cleaned and wears a pleasing dark gray mottled patina. Has just few areas of light to moderate pitting to the surface near the nipple bolster area. No proof marks at all on the rifle. Upper swivel is mounted to the upper barrel band while the lower swivel is fastened to the bottom wrist area of the buttstock. All furniture is iron including the buttplate, trigger guard, barrel bands and the distinct-shaped side screw washers. Traces of original bluing evident on the nose cap and barrel bands. Original knurled and slotted ramrod. Rear sight is the long-range type graduated to 1000 yards. Oiled black walnut stock is in excellent condition exhibits a surface that is dark and uncleaned. The piece with handsome checkering at the wrist and forend together with light floral etching on the triggerguard. No cracks but it does show few minor dings and dents from age and use.

This excellent condition, the 1856 ‘Volunteer Rifle’ would make a fine collectible in any shortarm collection.

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