Page 15 - 88-BOOK1

The “H” inspection mark of B. Tyler Henry is stamped on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The serial number is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver, the left side of the lower receiver tang beneath the stock, the stock in the upper tang inlet, the inside of the buttplate below the trap, the hand-fitted buttplate screws and the upper and lower tang screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The period initials “JB” are lightly scratched in the left stock wrist facing the receiver. The initials are 5/16-inches high and 14 to 16-inches long and are noticeable only on close inspection. 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. Henry rifles manufactured during the Civil War with any original finish are very rare.
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