September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
Most interesting Henry rifle with carved stock signed by Jose Dominigo Batz. J.D. Batz was the son of French emigrants who became a prominent ranching and agricultural family in Los Angeles, California during the 1800's. Jose became interested in wood carving and was known to have carved award winning walking canes. Six of those canes are known. The Antique's Road Show evaluated one of his canes while airing on July 14, 2012 in Rapid City South Dakota. The appraised value was $4000-$5000. The right side of the stock is carved depicting two Native Americans hunting a Grizzly Bear one kneeling while shooting a bow and arrow, and the second about to launch a spear. The left side carving depicts a Hunter and his dog shooting at a buck deer along with two does. Left side at the toe is signed "J.D. BATZ" and the initials "J.B." are carved at the wrist. On the left side of the buttstock, below the tang is the date "1880". Along the bottom of the stock is inscribed "DEER HUNTING" and "BEAR HUNTING." The rifle is factory engraved featuring classic Hoggson foliate scroll work with large flower blooms on both sides of the frame and a doe leaping a fence on the left side. Interestingly this is a 1865 vintage Henry Rifle. However, the barrel is bearing serial number '202', located at the top barrel flat at the breech. This number was added at a later time, as the original serial number was filed away when the sight was remodeled and Blatz carved the stock. Assembly number '42' has been observed on the round section of the barrel inside the loading gate. Assembly number '13' can be observed on the end of the muzzle collar. The rifle's correct serial number 8227 is observed inside the buttplate and inside left side of the bottom tang. Serial number 8227 is also observed inside the stock top tang channel. The letter 'E' (engraving) is also observed on the inside left side of the top tang. Both front and rear sights are period replacements. The frame was originally silver plated with generous amounts remaining on the inside at the tangs. Also accompanying the rifle is a period Indian made, possibly Sioux, circa 1880's fringed deer skin scabbard with Native American decoration. CONDITION: Very good overall. Barrel is mostly a grey/brown patina. The frame is a lovely dark mustard colored patina with slightly rounded corners on the frame. The original stock is sound and proud to the metal surface. Screws have a coat of cold blue added. The bore is dark. The action is a bit sticky requiring the hammer to be manually placed in the cocked position. Scabbard very good showing period stains and minor abrasions. Overall a very colorful and unique carved and Western used Henry Rifle. MKS
Accessories
Period Leather Indian Scabbard