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LOT 3009
Early Production Three Digit Serial Number 317 New Haven Arms Company Henry Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 317, 44 Henry cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut
stock. This extremely early production three digit serialized
Henry lever action rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company in July
1862, the fourth month of production. The rifle has the early Henry features such as the
first style brass receiver with rear sight dovetail, straight follower cut in the receiver bottom, brass buttplate with rounded heel, front
sight with rounded back (half moon style), hand-fitted, serial numbered tang and buttplate screws, and first style New Haven Arms Company barrel legend. The rifle lacks a sling swivel and loop for sling hook which were extra cost features on early Henry rifles. Matching serial number on the barrel, left side of lower tang,
tang screws, buttplate, buttplate screws. The rear sight dovetail on the barrel is empty. The receiver dovetail slot holds a folding ladder sight graduate to 1,000 yards. The barrel
and integral 15-shot magazine originally had a blue finish. The hammer, lever and trigger are color casehardened. The hammer has a hand knurled spur. The straight grain American
walnut stock is varnished. 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. Early production Henry rifles are exceptionally rare.
CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel and magazine tube have an as found dark untouched patina. The fine brass has an attractive natural mellow aged appearance. The stock is fine with much of the original varnish, a number of handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a three digit serialized Henry rifle.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
LOT 3010
Exceptional Civil War Kittredge & Co. Marked Brass Belt Cartridge Box for .44 RF Rifle Cartridges - These brass belt cartridge boxes were produced by B. Kittredge & Co. during the Civil War era and originally intended as an accessory for the Frank Wesson rifles the firm was selling. The box
was readily adaptable for use with .44 RF Henry cartridges, of which these have been attributed as an accessory for a Henry rifle as used during the Civil War. This design was patented by Augustus Bennett on January 27, 1863 (reissue April 14). Construction is solid brass with “B.KITTREDGE & Co CIN. OHIO./ PATENTED. JAN.27.1863/REISSUED APL.14.63” stamped on the spring loaded lid, brass belt loops and nit blued spring (turned to a brown with some light pitting), and a round body.
CONDITION: Very fine overall with an attractive untouched age darkened golden patina. This is a must have accessory to pair with a Henry rifle!
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
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