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LOT 15
Stunning Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle from the Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection - Serial no. 7156, 44 Henry RF cal., 24 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut stock. Factory engraved Henry rifles are among the most desirable of all antique firearms thanks to their important place in the development of lever action firearms and the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. as well as their place in the history of the American Civil War, the West, and popular culture. The factory engraved rifles represent only a small percentage of the already scarce original Henry rifles and are highly sought after by collectors, especially high condition examples like this one. This beautiful rifle was manufactured in 1864 and featured the classic factory scroll and floral engraving patterns with beaded backgrounds of Samuel J. Hoggson; however, rather than the more common deer or dog motifs on the left side plate, it features a nicely detailed reposed stylish lion which may have been engraved specially for someone of English ancestry. This unusual motif plus the rifle’s high condition certainly places it in the upper echelon of Henry rifles. The engraving also extends to the tang of the buttplate which has the point heel standard on later production Henry rifles. Additional later production features include: a flat back German silver blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight with stop screw below the 900 yard top notch, no second rear sight dovetail on the frame, all serifed letters in the two-line address and patent marking on the barrel, larger diameter magazine follower and beveled follower cut, and sling mounts on the left side of the barrel and stock. The serial number is marked on the top of the barrel at the breech, and the “W” inspection mark of Oliver F. Winchester is stamped between the lever latch and rear screw on the lower tang. The stock has attractive figure visible in the wrist.
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