Large and impressive original patent lithograph for Alexander Henry's improvement in firearms, one page, 19.5 x 27.5, December 31, 1866. The diagram features multiple views of a rifle barrel with lock and trigger mechanism. The upper left corner reads: "A.D. 1866. Dec. 31. No. 3442. Henry's Specification." The lower border reads: "The filed drawing is partly colored. Drawn on Stone by Malby & Sons" and "London: Printed by George Edward Eyre and William Spottiswoode, Printers to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, 1867." Matted and framed under UV-resistant plexiglass to an overall size of 25 x 32.5. In fine condition. Scottish gunmaker Alexander Henry came to prominence by winning a competition held by the British government for the replacement of the Snider-Enfield service weapon. Although the design of Friedrich von Martini was favored by the War Office, Henry's innovative polygonal rifling was adopted as part of the design—hence the Martini-Henry name given to the British Army's standard rifle, which was in use from 1871 to 1918.
