^Lot 3393A ASTONISHING 2010 FEGA ENGRAVER'S CHOICE AWARD

WINNING MASTER ENGRAVED & SIGNED UBERTI 1860 HENRY RIFLE BY LEE GRIFFITHS. Cal. 45 Colt. S# 27575. Bbl. 24" with ladder rear sight; front blade missing. Lee Griffiths is an internationally renowned Master level engraver who started his craft in 1997 and by 1999, only 2 years later, became recognized by FEGA as a Master Engraver. Widely regarded as one of the top contemporary engravers today, Lee Griffiths' commissioned work is renowned for its exceptional quality & meticulous detail. This stunning example is one of 3 "Engraver's Choice" award winning pieces Griffiths is accredited with (2007, 2010, 2011). Left side of frame features extra fine and beautifully shaded Bulino engraved scene of Arlington House (former home to Robert E. Lee). In front of house stands a soldier holding hands with a woman while leading a horse, presumably Robert E. Lee and his wife Mary Anna Custis Lee shortly before Arlington House was seized by the U.S. Government on May 24, 1861. A Confederate flag can be seen hanging from the front of Arlington House. Right side of frame also features fine Bulino engraved scene, in stark contrast to the left, this one depicting the Nation's Capitol building, surrounded by trees and street filled with commuters traversing on foot, horseback and drawn wagons. An American flag flies from the roof of the Capitol. Both scenes surrounded by straight line & beaded borders creating a beautifully framed portrait. Each portraits framed in breathtaking punch dot background foliate scroll with tendril which pierce the framed images. Scrollwork seemingly flows from a Bellamy style eagle located at frame front on both sides. Eagle clutches both Confederate and U.S. flags, signifying the Nations divide. Top of frame, top tang & trapdoor buttplate all accented with notes of scroll, straight and beaded lines. Bottom tang engrave "B. FARMAN SM" & L. GRIFFITHS ENG". Straight grip buttstock of highly figured flame grain walnut with sling swivel inletted on left side & brass buttplate. Left side barrel flute mounted with sling stud. Case hardened lever & hammer. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: framed Engraver's Choice Award presented to Lee Griffiths January 23, 2010. CONDITION: very good overall, frame beginning to acquire scattered areas of light tarnish. Buttstock shows scattered light impressions & dents. Barrel assembly retains 99% original blue. Lever & hammer retain 98% factory colors with light wear in areas of mechanical friction. Bright shiny bore shows crisp rifling. This beautifully engraved Henry showcases Griffiths' exceptional mastery over multiple engraving styles, seamlessly combined to create a striking and cohesive work of art. (25-6695/BH). MODERN. $15,000-22,500.