Maharajah Shotgun(Pics Added)

[SteveK]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, I found it while researching an old 12 bore shotgun. It was made for H.H. Maharajah Mahender Singh of Pattiallah in 1874 by Alexander Henry. It is engraved down the barrels in gold.
From what I understand, it was given to an old British Colonel in the 50/60's when the law changed in India that only allowed a few guns to be owned by individuals. If anyone is interested in seeing scans, please email me. sas (at) youandmeboth.com

Kind regards,
Steve

[Bespoke]

Maharaja MOHINDER SINGH (1852-1876)(Sometimes written as Mahender Singh) was born on Sept. 16th, 1852. He succeeded to the throne of Patiala(written also as Pattiallah ) after the death of Maharaja Narinder Singh and reigned from 1862 to 1876. He was deeply interested in public works .It will be interesting to see LOP of the shotgun since Maharaja Mohinder Singh was 6'7" tall if it was custom made for him which is highly unlikely might have been presented by British official.

[SteveK]

Thank you for the very interesting history. I have the build sheets from Alexander Henry's archive's when the Maharajah ordered 8 guns all with the same inscription.

[Vikram]

Hi Steve,

Welcome to IFG. Nice of you to take the pain of posting here to let us know of your discovery.Will email you shortly.

Best-
Vikram

[SteveK]

Thank you for the very interesting history. I have the build sheets from Alexander Henry's archive's when the Maharajah ordered 8 guns all with the same inscription.

[Vikram]

Pics sent by Steve. The gun looks fabulous.











Thank you,Steve.


Best-
Vikram

[sa_ali]

Its a oozing beauty , I just lovely that pattern on the barrel

[shooter]

what a beauty.

thanks steve

[Katana]

Orgasmic!

[darashp]

ultimate

[nagarifle]

mouth watering

[SteveK]

Thank you very much for your kind words gentlemen.

I bought the gun about 35 years ago from the old British Colonel to whom it was given by the Maharajah. I had it nitro proofed about 25 years ago and only fired it a handful of times.
The number of the gun is 3505, as you can see from the original ledger, it was one of 8 guns ordered at the time. I also have a Westley Richards 12 bore, this one is probably ( I think) one of the first hammerless ejector single selective trigger in it's original leather case. It was made in the 1880's. I shall take some scans and attempt to post them.
Kind regards

Steve.

PS Thank you Vikram for posting the pictures.

[Katana]

Hey! We have a Westley Richards .12 bore in the family too! Originally belonged to my great grand father. It has faux damascus barrels and is a side lock affair (I think). The box is not in too great a shape but will try and post pictures. Thankfully the label on the inside is intact.

[jonahpach]

Was half expecting a falling block type when I saw the name "Alexander Henry". But this is just as beautiful.

[Sakobav]

Nice one Stevek and very well maintained gun..amazing

Thanks for sharing do post pictures of your other guns

Best