UNIQUE FACTORY ENGRAVED HENRY RIFLE, STOCK DECORATED BY CALIFORNIA MASTER CARVER JOSE DOMINGO BATZ, 1880.

UNIQUE FACTORY ENGRAVED HENRY RIFLE, STOCK DECORATED BY CALIFORNIA MASTER CARVER JOSE DOMINGO BATZ, 1880.

01-24548
Cal. 44
S# 8227

Known as “El Sereno’s wood carving master”, Jose Domingo Batz (1857-1936) was the son of the early pioneer Jean Baptiste Batz (Juan Bautista Batz) who came to California with his wife Catalina Hegui Batz in 1850. Originally from the Basque Country in France, Juan Bautista and wife Catalina settled in what had been the Rancho Rosa de Castilla. In 1882 J.D. Batz inherited the land containing the historic adobe built in 1776 after the passing of his mother Catalina.

A sheep herder, Batz carved during the winter months in California. He is best known for his canes which many have sold in auction in California and quite desirable based on prices realized, according to the Transactions of the California State Agricultural Society, Batz exhibited his canes in 1882, 1883, and 1884 and were winners of awards. The University of California Museum, Berkley reported an important gift in 1887 of cane with 200 carved animals by Batz. This unique Henry rifle factory engraved by Samuel Hoggson in about 1865 was most likely the property of prominent rancher Batz whose home Rosa de Castilla on 700 acres is where University of California, Los Angeles sits today, the large “Batz Memorial Rose Garden” on campus is named in honor of the Batz family. There are no other known firearms carved by Batz, intricately carved canes are well known. His canes are identically signed “J.D. BATZ” and at least one shows same motif of Indians hunting bear with bow and arrow. Stock is well fit with exquisite executed scenes of “deer hunting” & “bear hunting” and so titled on bottom. The arrows are detailed sticking out of bear who has trampled one native American & is mauling him. Since this is the only rifle known, it is thought to have been his, a perfect weapon to have around the historic adobe house originally built in 1776. Regardless, this is beautiful piece of art in a firearm from prominent Los Angeles family of the late 19th century. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: small file of research. CONDITION: Good-very good overall, rifle has seen use, engraving worn with scattered dings & dents, smooth medium mustard patina. Barrel has no external S#, but stock, frame, & butt plate are matching 8227 and “E” for engraved. Barrel is gray patina with sharp address. Mechanics are sloppy and need attention, good rifled bore. Stock is well fit and carving all crisp & discernible. J. D. Batz signature sharp at left toe, and date “1880” on left below butt plate tang.

STATUS: ANTIQUE