Alex Henry .450 Double Rifle given by Queen Victoria to her personal attendant John Brown in 1873.
The Henry double rifle, commissioned by Queen Victoria as a Christmas present for John Brown, has been bought by the National Museum of Scotland and will be displayed in public for the first time this summer, from 26th June until November.
A gold plaque fitted into the butt of the.450 double-barrelled hammer rifle records that Queen Victoria presented it to John Brown as a Christmas gift in 1873. It was made that year in Edinburgh by noted Edinburgh gun maker Alexander Henry.
Dr Patrick Watt, curator of the exhibition, at National Museums Scotland, said: ‘This a tremendously significant acquisition for National Museums Scotland. It is a stunning object which shows directly the connection and the affection between Queen Victoria and John Brown.
‘The high-quality design and obvious expense of the gift highlights the position of trust and esteem in which the Queen held her loyal servant. …
John Brown had worked on the Balmoral estate since 1842, and rose in the Queen’s favour to special status as Her Majesty’s Highland Servant. After the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, Brown supported Queen Victoria in her grief. …
Brown died unexpectedly in 1883. Devastated by his loss, the Queen wrote to Brown’s brother Hugh, ‘we all have lost the best, the truest heart that ever beat!’
steve walsh
“After the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, Brown supported Queen Victoria in her grief. Gossip soon spread regarding the Queen’s closeness to Brown and his influence over the royal household.”
Support. Closeness. Influence. Hmmmm…
Looks to be a beautifully crafted gun; love the carrying case too.
gwbnyc
Brown’s influence on Victoria was the subject of a fair amount of speculation.
occasionally the Queen was referred to as “Mrs. Brownâ€.
steve walsh
Well, then, I say good for her, and him. Life is so much better when it includes close companionship. IMO.
Seldom Seen
Sounds like it would be a good big game rifle in the US. (Says a guy that has a safe full of 30.06s).
Seldom Seen
Lolo, MT.
gwbnyc
too-
among items placed in Victoria’s casket:
“one of Albert’s dressing gowns was placed by her side, with a plaster cast of his hand, while a lock of John Brown’s hair, along with a picture of him, was placed in her left hand concealed from the view of the family by a carefully positioned bunch of flowers. Items of jewellery placed on Victoria included the wedding ring of John Brown’s mother, given to her by Brown in 1883â€
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