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LOT 1007
New Haven Arms Co. First Model Henry Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 1645, 44 Henry RF cal.,
24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Offered here
is a desirable First Model Henry rifle that was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. in 1863.
Early features include the sight dovetail on the brass receiver (folding ladder rear sight graduated to
900 yards installed) and brass trapdoor buttplate with rounded heel (cleaning rod not included). The barrel
features a German silver blade front sight, an empty rear sight dovetail, and the “HENRY’S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT’D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS.
CO. NEWHAVEN.CT.” legend (remarked). The rifle is fitted with a sling hook loop and a sling swivel on the left side of the buttstock. The serial number is found
on the barrel, left side of lower tang, all three tang screws, stock inlet, both buttplate screws, and buttplate. Experts believe that most of the 7,500 Henry rifles manufactured between April 1862 and January 1865 were purchased for use in the Civil War and saw some military service. Aside from 900 rifles purchased by
the Ordnance Department in 1863-1864 to arm the 1st D.C. Cavalry Regiment, nearly all Henry rifles used in the Civil War were privately purchased by soldiers who wanted to have the most advanced firearm available and take advantage of the sustained firepower of a 15-shot magazine rifle. As a result, the great majority of the Henry rifles under serial number 7,500 show moderate to heavy wear. Henry rifles manufactured during the Civil War with any original finish are very rare. CONDITION: Very good. The barrel and magazine have a mottled gray patina with some patches of minor pitting. The brass fine has an attractive mellow aged appearance, and the receiver has tight fitting side plates with some dents visible under the aforementioned patina on the forward frame. The refinished stock is good with a hairline stress crack on the wrist (left side) and some minor dings. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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