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Extremely Rare Documented Iron Frame Henry Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:42,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Extremely Rare Documented Iron Frame Henry Rifle
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Estimate: $85000 - 160000
This Iron frame Henry lever action rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company in 1862. This rifle is pictured on page 224 of "THE HENRY RIFLE" by Les Quick. Iron frame Henry rifles are extremely rare; only about 275 of the approximately 14,000 Henry rifles manufactured had an iron frame and buttplate. Iron frame Henry serial numbers range from "2-355"; experts believe that iron and brass frame Henry rifles had duplicate serial numbers. Author Les Quick identified 89 Henry rifles with iron frames; 16 of these rifles had the same serial numbers as known brass frame Henry rifles. This rifle, serial number "195" is listed on the chart of known Henry rifles on page 54-54 of "THE HENRY RIFLE". This rifle has the distinctive, casehardened iron frame and buttplate. The receiver has the rear sight dovetail found on Henry rifles to approximately serial number 3100. The buttplate has the early pattern, round profile, heel and hinged iron trap. The rifle has the standard, 24 inch, blued, octagon barrel with integral 15-shot magazine. The barrel has the early, ''half moon'' nickel silver front sight and alternate rear sight dovetail. The brass magazine follower is the early, small, pattern. The rifle has the first style loading lever with no latch; there is no provision for a lever latch on the lower tang. The hammer is the standard pattern with knurled spur. The receiver mounted, folding leaf, rear sight is the first variation with center notch graduated to 1000 yards. The walnut stock has the abrupt comb angle and ''perch belly'' bottom found on early Henry rifles. The rifle is not fitted with a stock sling swivel or barrel sling hook loop. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the early, two-line legend: "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860 / MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS. CO. NEWHAVEN.CT." ahead of the rear sight dovetail. The serial number "195" is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight dovetail and the receiver and on the left side of the lower tang beneath the stock. The serial number "195" is stamped on the upper tang inlet of the stock and on the shanks of all three tang screws (the buttplate and buttplate screws were not removed for inspection).
BBL: 24 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 Henry RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 195
Condition: Very good. The barrel and magazine have a very attractive, deep brown patina. The barrel surfaces show some age texturing and some scattered surface corrosion (a very attractive old "frying pan" look as this is cast iron, and ages accordingly). The barrel edges are sharp and the legend and serial number are completely legible. The iron receiver has the same deep brown patina as the barrel. The receiver patina has some wear on the edges and contact points that expose the silver-gray iron. There is light pitting on the right side of the receiver and on the wrist and tang. The side plate joints are tight and untouched. There are several small dents in the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The trigger, loading lever and hammer have the same dark brown patina as the barrel and receiver and show scattered light pitting. The iron buttplate has a dark brown patina with a few minor scratches and some age texturing. The replacement stock is in very fine condition with very minor handling marks (the original stock is included with lot). This a fine looking, representative, well-documented example of an extremely rare iron frame Henry rifle. All Henry rifles are scarce and desirable firearms. The iron frame Henry rifles are the most sought after Henry rifle variation and, by far, the most difficult rifle to obtain.