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Recruitment broadsides noted that “This Corps will be
provided with the best arms in the possession of the
Government and the men will be allowed to retain their arms at the expiration of service” and newspapers noted the unit was being armed with Henry rifles. The Chicago Tribune on April 6, 1865, noted that the Illinois regiment being organized for Hancock’s corps was to be armed with Henry repeating rifles and celebrated the rifle noting that “A regiment
of veterans, armed with Henry repeaters, can whip a brigade of soldiers equipped with the
minie rifle. This magnificent weapon can be seen in the hands of a member of the corps in the
counting room of the Tribune, between three and four p.m., for a few days.” Clearly possibly getting your hands on a Henry of your own was part of the appeal of joining the Veteran Corps. 627 U.S. martial contract Henry rifles were purchased to arm the 3rd Veteran
Volunteer Infantry. Wiley Sword in “The
Historic Henry Rifle” indicates these were
supplemented by rifles originally ordered
for the 1st District of Columbia Cavalry in
1863-64 and totaled around 800 rifles for
the 3rd V.V.I. The rifles shipped on April
19, 1865, and May 23, 1865, for the unit
fall within the 7000-9400+ serial number
range and were the last purchased by the
Ordnance Department aside from a single
carbine ordered on November 7, 1865. As
they shipped in late April and May of 1865, these Henry rifles
arrived too late to be used in the Civil War. Many of the Veteran
Volunteers received Sharps, Spencers, and other rifles although
you can imagine many would have preferred Donovan’s Henry.
CONDITION: Fine with 30% plus original blue finish in the protected areas and otherwise smooth brown patina, attractive aged patina on the brass, gray and brown patina on the loading lever and hammer along with some mild pitting, and generally rather light overall wear. The stock is also fine and has smooth oiled finish, the “Henry bump” under the swivel, and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 30,000 - 45,000
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