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LOT 23
Desirable Civil War New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 1757, 44 Henry cal.,
24 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut stock. The Henry lever action rifle was one of the most advanced firearms of the Civil War. While most
rifles used during the war were still single shot muzzleloaders, the Henry offered up to sixteen shots at the ready. Not surprisingly, they were scooped up
by many Union soldiers for use during the “War Between the States.” Researches estimate that around half of the roughly 14,000 Henry rifles manufactured
were used by Union soldiers. They remained in use in the post-bellum American West in the hands of both settlers and various Native American tribes,
including at the Battle of Little Bighorn. They remained in use alongside their descendants, the Winchester Model 1866 and Model 1873. With their
importance to firearms history as well as their historic use in the both the Civil War and the Indian Wars, they have remained among the most sought after
and iconic firearms for generations. This attractive Henry rifle was manufactured c. March 1863 by the New Haven Arms Company. The matching serial number
“1757” is on the barrel at the breech, on the left side of the tang, all screws, stock, and buttplate It features the angled squareback German silver blade front sight,
notch and ladder rear sight graduated out to 900 yards, alternate rear dovetail on the frame, the two-line Henry patent and address marking ahead of the rear sight,
early smaller follower and straight follower cut, lever latch, and smooth walnut buttstock with slight perch belly profile and brass buttplate with rounded heel and a
four-piece jointed wood cleaning rod in the stock compartment.
CONDITION: Fine with 60% plus original blue finish remaining, some evidence of abrasion visible around the barrel address, sides of the barrel, and muzzle which have since developed a natural brown patina; attractive aged patina on the very fine frame and buttplate, and fairly light overall wear mainly from age and storage. The lightly sanded and re-oiled wood is also fine with the “Henry bump” still lightly visible and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is certainly a very attractive representative example of the legendary Henry Lever Action Rifle of the Civil War and American West!
38 Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000