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Early Production Civil War Era New Haven Arms Henry Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Early Production Civil War Era New Haven Arms Henry Rifle
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Estimate: $20000 - 30000
Produced circa February-March of 1863, with a first pattern brass receiver which is slotted for a rear sight. German silver blade front sight and 900 yard folding ladder rear sight, with a factory sling ring on the left side, "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACTURED BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS.CO. NEWHAVEN.CT." on the top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight, and "1775" behind. This number is repeated on the left side of the lower tang, the inside surface of the buttplate, on the stock inside the upper tang inlet, and is hand stamped on the buttplate and upper tang screws. The lower tang also bears a "U" inspection mark. Later pattern loading lever, with a spur for the visibly threaded retention latch. Smooth straight wrist stock, with a factory sling swivel on the left side and a round heel buttplate. According to Wiley Sword's "The Historic Henry Rifle", 50 Henry rifles in the 1300-2100 serial number range were purchased by the Ordnance Department for issue to the 1st D.C. Cavalry and shipped to the Army on June 19, 1863. Acquired from New Haven's commercial stock, these arms would not bear Ordnance inspection marks. Sword also notes that Henry rifles serial numbered 1732 and 1798 were listed as issued to the 3rd Regiment, U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry in early 1865. Though not confirmed as an U.S. issued Henry rifle, the production time and serial number would be appropriate for an early Henry rifle as acquired for the 1st D.C. Cavalry and subsequently re-issued to the U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiments that were organized in early 1865.
BBL: 24 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 Henry RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1775
Condition: Very good plus, showing an even patina on the receiver and butt plate, with slight high point wear, and a dark patina on the hammer, lever and trigger. Barrel shows a deep plum/brown patina, with scattered age texturing and a tiny amount of pitting. The side plates fit perfectly, and show no signs of disassembly. The markings are original and sharp. Stock is good, showing moderate wear, with mild dents and scratches. A fine example of a early production Civil War Henry rifle near the serial number range of rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department and issued to the Federal Army.