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The buttplate and receiver
have the late style cap screws
which are correctly not stamped
with the rifle serial number.
The brass receiver and the heel of
the brass buttplate are engraved with
restrained floral designs and zig-zag scrollwork. The left
side plate is decorated with a Federal shield with arrows and
spears flanked by crossed flags. The right front of the receiver is engraved with an oak leaf and acorn
motif and the right side plate is engraved with a blank inscription panel. The engraving on the left side
plate and receiver is nearly identical to the engraving on U.S. Contract Henry rifle serial number “3351” illustrated
on page 141 of “THE HENRY RIFLE” by Les Quick. The engraving was almost certainly executed after Corpl. Heiligmann was
mustered out of service. There are at least three identified Henry rifles from Co. B, 3rd VVI that have similar engraving. One of these
rifles belonged to a German veteran of the 27th Pennsylvania Volunteers who was also mustered out of service in Madison, Wisconsin. The
engraving on both rifles may have been executed by the same person following the Civil War. Identified and engraved U.S. Contract Henry rifles are
very rare.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and magazine retain 40% of the high polish period applied blue finish. The lever and hammer have 40% of the original case colors
remaining. It is extremely rare to encounter a U.S. Contract Henry rifle with any original finish. The finely engraved brass receiver and buttplate have an attractive
mellow unpolished patina and are very fine. The side plate joints are tight with minimal edge wear and the period engraving is sharp. The barrel legend and serial
number are crisp. The re-oiled stock is very good with a few, minor handling marks. This is an exceptional example of a period engraved Type II U.S. Henry rifle
with SRS documentation from the National Archives.
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000