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Collectors have also identified seventy-seven brass frame Henry rifles in this same serial number range and
sixteen brass and iron frame Henry rifles with duplicate serial numbers, but no corresponding brass frame
example is known for serial number 110. Many of the early iron frame Henry rifles were shipped to New
Haven Arms Co. dealers in Louisville, Kentucky, and a few iron frame Henry rifles were even obtained by
Confederate soldiers.
This rifle displays the distinctive features found on the earliest Henry rifles: both
the barrel and the receiver have rear sight dovetails. The notch
and folding ladder rear sight is currently mounted in the frame
and is the latter variation with the “900” yard marking below
the center notch and no retaining screw. The nickel silver blade
front sight has been slightly reshaped. The magazine has the
early style small brass cartridge follower, and the receiver has
the early straight follower cut. In addition to the rear sight
dovetail, the upper rear portion of the receiver has the slight
bevel in front of the hammer found on early rifles. The loading
lever is the first style with no spur, and the lower receiver tang
lacks the lever latch added around serial number 400. The iron
buttplate is the first style with rounded heel. The rifle is not equipped with a
sling swivel on the left side of the stock or a sling hook loop on the left side of
the barrel. These were special order items on early production rifles. The top of
the barrel is roll stamped with the two-line legend “HENRY’S PATENT. OCT. 16.
1860/MANUFACT’D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT.” ahead of the
rear sight dovetail. The serial number “110” is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the frame and is
also marked on the tang screws, lower tang, stock inlet, buttplate screws, and buttplate. The 24 3/8 inch octagon barrel,
integral magazine, iron frame, breech bolt, lever, and iron buttplate all have a high polish blue finish. The trigger and
hammer are color casehardened. The straight grain walnut stock has a high polish piano varnish finish. The buttstock has
an empty compartment for a takedown cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Very good with traces of faint original blue finish remaining in the protected areas, attractive mixed gray and
brown patina throughout, and general mild overall wear including some scattered dings. The stock is fine and has mild
scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 75,000 - 110,000
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