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LOT 3228
Civil War New Haven Arms Co. Henry
Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 7903, 44 Henry
RF cal., 24 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue/bright
finish, walnut stock. This classic Henry rifle
was manufactured circa February 1865 towards
the end of the American Civil War. It falls within
the 7000-8000 serial number range that included
rifles purchased by the U.S. government on April 7, 1865, and more
specifically falls between rifles 7900 and 7954 listed as rifles reported by the
3rd Regiment U.S. Veteran Volunteers in 1865. Less than 10,000 Henry rifles were produced before the
end of the war. The rifle has a nickel silver blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight with 900 yard top notch, “HENRY’S PATENT. OCT.16.1860/MANUFACT’D.
BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN.CT.” barrel address, the serial number “7903” stamped on the top barrel flat at the breech, the inspection mark “H” for B. Tyler
Henry stamped on the lower tang, a sling hook loop and sling swivel installed on the left side of the barrel and stock respectively, and the correct later style buttplate with
sharply pointed heel and hinged trapdoor (compartment empty). The Henry rifle was the most advanced firearm of the “War Between the States,” and most of the Henry rifles
produced during the war were purchased by individual Union soldiers who wanted the advantage of a 15-shot repeating rifle. After the Civil War, the Henry rifle remained
popular with frontiersmen and Native American warriors from various tribes. Further development of the design led to the creation of the Winchester Model 1866 and the
subsequent Winchester Model 1874 and 1876 rifles.
CONDITION: Very good with 20% of the original blue finish remaining on the barrel with strong concentrations in the sheltered areas, aged patina on the frame and mounts,
small gaps at the side plates, and general mild wear. The stock is also fine with glossy finish, small chips, and mild dings and scratches. Part of the firing pin assembly is absent;
otherwise, the rifle is mechanically fine. Overall, this is a very attractive example of the iconic New Haven Arms Co. Henry rifle from the Civil War.
Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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