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Fine New Haven Arms Co., Henry Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:16,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Fine New Haven Arms Co., Henry Lever Action Rifle
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Estimate: $40000 - 55000
This fine, attractive, original Henry rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. in 1865. The rifle has a blued octagon barrel with integral 15-shot magazine, casehardened hammer and lever and brass receiver and buttplate. The walnut stock has a varnish finish. The barrel has a dovetail mounted folding rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The stock has the second style buttplate with point heel adopted in 1864 a round serial number 4000. The stock has a compartment for a cleaning rod and the buttplate has a hinged trap. The left side of the stock has a factory sling swivel and the left side of the barrel has a factory sling loop. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped ahead of the rear sight with the two-line legend: "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16.1860 / MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS.CO. NEWHAVEN CT.". The legend is the late style with larger letters and serifed fonts throughout the marking. The serial number "9461" is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver. A "W" factory inspection mark is stamped on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The inside of the buttplate is stamped with the serial number "9461". The buttplate screws are the later cap-head style, and the shanks are correctly not stamped with the rifle serial number. The serial number "9461" is stamped on the left side of the lower tang and in the upper tang inlet of the stock. All of the visible serial numbers match.
BBL: 24 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 Henry RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 9461
Condition: Very fine. The barrel and magazine have a smooth blue gray patina, with 40% of the original blue finish, with more present in the protected areas of the magazine. The muzzle sleeve shows slightly more wear and has several small patches of light pitting. The barrel legend and serial number are crisp and deep. The original nickel-silver front sight has been replaced by a brass bead front sight. The rear sight is original and in very fine condition. The receiver is in outstanding condition. The brass has a very attractive, deep, untouched, dark mustard yellow patina. The side plate joints are tight and un-marred and the receiver is excellent. The brass buttplate is in the same outstanding condition. Strong traces of the original casehardened finish remain on the hammer and lever. The stock is in fine good condition and retains nearly all of the original varnished finish. Wear is limited to a few, very minor, handling and storage marks. This is a very fine example of a 1865 production Henry rifle. It is difficult to find a Henry rifle in this top condition.