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LOT 3029
Desirable Civil War
Era Production New
Haven Arms Co. Henry
Lever Action Rifle - Serial no.
5747, 44 Henry RF cal., 24 inch octagon
bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in July
of 1864, this is a solid example of a Civil War era production New
Haven Arms Company Henry rifle. The Henry lever action rifle is among
the most famous and desirable of all of the historic American lever action
rifles as the predecessor to the famous Winchester lever action rifles,
one of the most advanced firearms of the American Civil War, as well as
a legendary icon of the American Frontier. Many of these advanced rifles
were purchased by the federal government for use during the Civil War,
and many more were also privately purchased by veterans using their
reenlistment bonuses. Many of the Henrys that saw Civil War use, as well
as many of those that didn’t, later made their way farther west, playing a
role in the taming of America’s frontier. More often than not, these rifles
saw hard use on the battlefield or the frontier and carry the wear and
scars to prove it, meaning they are collectible in almost any condition. The
consignor indicated this rifle was found in an attic in Seguin, Texas.
This mid-1864 production Henry has the later style frame which shows
a more gentle angle and larger edge bevel on the upper rear, a change
which began to appear in approximately the 4900 serial number range.
The lever is of the second style with a spur that engages the lever latch
screw, which entered production in the early 400 serial number range and
continued until the end of production. The hammer has the correct coarse,
hand-filed checkering. The frame correctly lacks a rear sight dovetail slot,
a feature that was discontinued around the 3100 serial number range.
The replacement magazine follower is the correct, larger, second style and
the frame has the correct milled flats in the receiver slot. The barrel has
the correct, two-line, larger style Henry’s patent and New Haven address
marking, which appeared in the 3000 serial number range. The rear sight
dovetail is just in front of the second style, larger-digit serial number, which
is at the breech. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel, left
side of the lower tang, in the stock inlet, and inside the buttplate. The
screws are correctly unnumbered, as was common after the 5600 serial
number range. It is fitted with the correct, square-backed, German silver
blade front sight and correct folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900
yards. There are sling swivels mounted on the left of the barrel with a ring
and left of the stock. It is correctly mounted with the last style buttstock,
which entered production around the 3200 serial number range and has
the gently sloping comb and flat bottom, as well as being fitted with the
last style trapdoor crescent buttplate which became standard in the 5100
serial number range. This rifle is only two serial numbers apart from the
previous lot.
CONDITION: Good, with the iron showing aged brown patina and some
scattered patches of mild oxidation, typical of a rifle that saw extended
use in the Civil War or on the frontier. The brass shows a mellow,
attractively aged patina overall with some scattered light dings and
tightly fitting sideplates. The wood is very good showing some mild age-
related weathering and wear, as well as some scattered minor dings. The
rimfire firing pin head is absent; otherwise, mechanically functions. An
opportunity to own a solid example of a Civil War era Henry rifle that looks
like it has stories to tell!
Estimate: 15,000 - 22,500